Common Accessibility Pitfalls in Web Design and How to Avoid Them
Alright, budding web developers! Buckle up because we’re going on a trip through the wilderness of web design accessibility. Now, don’t freak out. Yes, “accessibility” sounds like a big, scary, multiple-syllable word. But really, it’s like a magical fairy godmother that sprinkles success dust on your web designs, making them user-friendly to everyone, including those with disabilities.
We’ll delve into the most common accessibility pitfalls and how to swerve around them like a pro. Chat up your pals, because we’re about to ensure that your web designs are the Belle of the Ball, no pumpkin carriages required!
Pitfall 1: Inadequate Contrast Ratios
Reading color-coded text on a similarly colored background is like trying to locate Waldo in a peppermint candy factory. It’s just about impossible and leaves users squinting, frustrated, and potentially abandoning your site.
The Fix:
Use contrast ratios of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. With these ratios, users won’t feel like they’re engaging in a high stakes game of “Where’s Waldo”!
Pitfall 2: Non-Descriptive Link Text
Using “click here” for your link text is about as helpful as a chocolate teapot. It tells the user nothing about where that link is going to lead.
The Fix:
Instead, consider using descriptive text. For instance, “View our yummy pizza menu” would entice users more than a dry, non-descriptive “click here”.
Pitfall 3: Reliance on Mouse Navigation
Some users navigate websites without the use of a mouse. So, designing a site that relies solely on this method is akin to planning a road trip without a map. Sure, you might end up somewhere interesting, but you’ll likely just get lost.
The Fix:
Ensure that your website can be easily navigated through a keyboard. ‘Tab’, ‘Shift’ + ‘Tab’, ‘Enter’, and ‘Space’ should be your new best coding buddies.
Pitfall 4: Missing Alt Text for Images
Without alt text, screen readers cannot explain what an image is about. This is kind of like showing someone a picture of a fluffy llama and not telling them it’s a llama.
The Fix:
Adding alt text like “fluffy, white llama standing on a hillside” gives all users equal access to your image content. Now, who doesn’t appreciate a good llama on a mountainside, right?
Before I wrap up, let me tell you rookies something. Crack your knuckles, lean into the keyboard and craft your websites like code poets. With these accessibility pitfalls out of the way, your journey into the universe of web design is going to be a spaceman’s delight. So, get going, make web a better, more accessible place. Happy coding!
