Accessibility can transform the way people interact with websites. When we talk about website design, we’re not just discussing aesthetics – we’re talking about creating digital spaces that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities.
Accessibility in web design isn’t just a nice-to-have feature; it’s essential.
Did you know that approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability? That’s over a billion potential users who struggle with inaccessible websites.
Creating an accessible website design means opening your digital doors to everyone. It improves user experience, expands your audience reach, and even boosts your SEO rankings.
Plus, it keeps you on the right side of laws like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) guidelines.
On the flip side, ignoring accessibility can lead to legal troubles, damaged reputation, and missed business opportunities.
According to WebAIM, about 97% of the internet remains inaccessible to individuals with disabilities – that’s a massive gap we need to bridge.
In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and strategies to make your web design more inclusive.
Whether you’re a freelancer or part of an agency offering website design services, these insights will help you create digital experiences that truly work for everyone.
What is Accessibility in Web Design?
Accessibility in web design means creating websites that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities. It ensures that individuals with disabilities—such as visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments—can perceive, navigate, and interact with web content effectively.
But here’s the reality: 97% of websites today are not fully accessible.
A study analyzing one million home pages found that 98.1% failed basic WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance. That’s a massive gap, excluding millions of users from accessing vital information, services, and online experiences.
Why does this matter? The internet was designed to be universal, meaning it should work for everyone.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) states, “The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect”.
By focusing on accessible design, designers and agencies can ensure their services reach a wider audience while also complying with important laws like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Key Facts About Accessibility in Website Design
- 16% of the global population lives with a disability. (Source: WHO)
- 28.7% of U.S. adults have a disability that may require assistive technologies like screen readers. (Source: CDC)
- Accessible web design benefits everyone, including those with temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken arm) or situational limitations (e.g., bright sunlight ).
Accessibility isn’t just a compliance requirement nowadays—it’s a way to create highly accessible web pages that enhance usability for all users.
Why Accessible Website Design Matters
Making website design services more inclusive isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also a smart business move. Here’s why:
Accessibility Ensures Inclusion
A well-designed, highly accessible web page allows users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities to navigate the site without barriers.
Features like screen readers, keyboard navigation, and high-contrast visuals make content more accessible to a broader audience.
Accessibility also benefits people with temporary disabilities (e.g., a broken arm) and situational challenges (e.g., using a phone in bright sunlight).
Legal Compliance: Avoid Costly Lawsuits
Many countries have strict website accessibility laws, including:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): In the U.S., businesses must provide equal access to digital services.
- WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): The global standard for ensuring accessibility.
Companies that ignore accessibility risk lawsuits.
For example, the number of ADA-related website accessibility lawsuits has been rising each year, making compliance a necessity, not an option.
In business terms, a lawsuit can also affect business reputation, which may lead to lower website conversions.
SEO Benefits: Higher Rankings & More Traffic
Search engines like Google prioritize clean design, usability, and accessibility. Web accessibility design improves:
- SEO rankings: Search engines favor well-structured, accessible website design with alt text, proper headings, and readable content.
- User engagement: An easy-to-navigate website reduces bounce rates and improves time spent on the site.
Better UX = Higher Conversions
A site that is operable, understandable, and easy to use encourages visitors to stay longer and engage more. Studies show that businesses that prioritize accessibility see higher customer satisfaction and conversion rates.
The bottom line is that accessibility is good for everyone. An inclusive website creates a seamless experience for all users, boosts SEO, and protects businesses from legal risks.
Key Principles of Accessible Web Design
To create an accessible website design, web designers follow four fundamental UI design principles outlined in the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
These principles ensure that web content is:
1️⃣Perceivable
2️⃣Operable
3️⃣Understandable
4️⃣Robust
Each of these principles must be a part of your website design process. They make website design services more inclusive, improving usability for individuals with disabilities and enhancing the experience for all users.
Perceivable – Making Content Visible & Understandable
Users should be able to see and understand content regardless of their abilities. This means:
- Text alternatives for images (alt text)
- Captions and transcripts for videos
- High contrast between text and background for readability
✅Example: Websites with proper alt text allow screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users.
A website should be fully usable with a keyboard, ensuring people with mobility impairments or those who rely on assistive technologies can browse effortlessly. This means:
- Keyboard-friendly navigation (no mouse needed)
- Enough time to read and interact with content
- Avoiding flashing content that may trigger seizures
✅Example: A site that allows tab-based navigation lets users move through interactive elements smoothly.
Understandable – Simple & Predictable UI/UX
A website should be easy to understand for all users. This means:
- Clear and simple content structure
- Consistent UI (User Interface) design
- Helpful error messages and instructions
Look at any modern website design examples; all of them keep their design simple, which provides a frictionless user experience.
✅Example: A well-designed contact form with clear labels and real-time validation improves usability.
Robust – Compatible With Assistive Technologies
A website should work on all devices and assistive technologies, ensuring future-proof accessibility. This means:
- Proper HTML structure for screen readers
- Compatibility with multiple browsers and devices
- Regular testing with accessibility tools like Lighthouse or WAVE
✅Example: Websites with semantic HTML improve interaction for screen readers.
These principles lay the foundation for an accessible web design. In the next section, we’ll explore practical steps to implement them effectively.
If all of this sounds too much for you, then you can always outsource web design to the experts and let them handle it.
Best Practices for Designing an Accessible Website
Creating an accessible website design isn’t just about following guidelines—it’s about making sure all users, including individuals with disabilities, can navigate, read, and interact with content easily.
By applying these best practices, you can create a user-centered design and provide a seamless digital experience for everyone.
Make a Design with the Right HTML Structure
Using semantic HTML improves both website accessibility and SEO. Proper HTML elements help screen readers interpret content correctly, ensuring users with visual impairments can navigate the site effortlessly.
- Use <header>, <nav>, <main>, and <footer> to define sections.
- Replace <div> buttons with <button> elements for better functionality.
- Add ARIA attributes where necessary to enhance accessibility.
A well-structured navigation menu ensures users can quickly find what they need without confusion. Complex navigation can frustrate individuals with disabilities, especially those relying on screen readers or keyboard navigation.
- Keep menus simple and structured logically.
- Use breadcrumb navigation to help users track their path.
- Provide a search function to enhance discoverability.
✅Example: A minimalistic design with well-defined navigation improves UX (User Experience) for all visitors.
Not all users can use a mouse. Many rely on a keyboard or assistive technologies to navigate a website. A site that isn’t keyboard-accessible can exclude users with motor impairments.
- Allow users to navigate all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) via the Tab key.
- Provide visible focus indicators to highlight which element is currently active.
- Ensure dropdown menus and popups can be accessed using only the keyboard.
✅Example: A site that allows tab-based navigation improves usability for all users.
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Maintain Strong Color Contrast
The text should be easy to read for all users, including those with color blindness or low vision. Poor contrast can make the content unreadable, leading to a frustrating experience.
- Follow WCAG standards: Use a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
- Avoid relying only on color to convey information—use icons, underlines, or text labels.
- Use tools like Contrast Checker to verify accessibility.
✅Example: A website using black text on a white background ensures maximum readability.
Use Clear and Readable Text
Legibility is a crucial aspect of accessible design. If users struggle to read content due to poor font styles, improper spacing, or small text sizes, their experience is significantly impacted.
- Choose highly readable fonts like Arial, Roboto, or Open Sans to improve clarity.
- Keep a comfortable line spacing (1.5x) and ensure adequate letter spacing.
- Use descriptive headings and bullet points to break up large blocks of text.
A clean design with well-structured text makes the site easier to scan, benefiting users with cognitive disabilities and enhancing overall UX.
✅Example: A website with well-spaced text and structured headings improves readability for all visitors.
Allow Text Resizing
Some users need to increase text size for readability. If a website’s layout breaks when text is resized, it creates usability issues, especially for those with visual impairments.
- Use relative units (rem, em) instead of fixed px sizes.
- Ensure the website remains functional when zoomed up to 200%.
- Offer text resizing options directly on the site.
A website that remains responsive at different text sizes ensures a better experience for all users.
✅Example: Websites that maintain layout integrity at 200% zoom are more user-friendly.
Avoid Auto-Playing Media
Auto-playing media can be distracting and overwhelming, especially for users with cognitive impairments or attention disorders.
- Do not auto-play videos or background music.
- Provide clear play/pause buttons for multimedia elements.
- Allow users to mute audio by default.
✅Example: A media player with manual playback controls improves usability.
Refrain from Using Blinking or Flashing Content
Flashing visuals can trigger seizures in users with photosensitivity epilepsy, making it crucial to minimize their use.
🚨 If flashing content is necessary, provide a clear warning beforehand to help users prepare or avoid it.
- Follow WCAG guidelines: No flashing content more than three times per second.
- Replace rapid blinking effects with gentle animations.
- Provide a “disable animations” option for users.
✅Example: A content warning before flashing animations ensures safety.
(Insert an image of a warning pop-up before flashing content.)
Make Forms Design as Clear As Possible
Forms are one of the most important interactive elements of a website. If they are confusing or difficult to use, users may abandon them entirely.
- Place labels above input fields, not inside as placeholders, to improve clarity.
- Group related fields together (e.g., “Personal Info” vs. “Payment Info”).
- Provide real-time error messages with clear instructions (e.g., “Password must be at least 8 characters long”).
A well-structured form improves usability for everyone, including users with cognitive impairments or mobility limitations.
✅Example: A simple, clearly labeled contact form with a clean design improves usability.
Design Accessible Forms with Closed Captions for Video Content
Multimedia content, such as videos and podcasts, should be fully accessible to users with hearing impairments.
- Add closed captions for all video content.
- Provide transcripts to ensure audio content is accessible.
- Ensure forms work seamlessly with screen readers and assistive technologies.
When forms and multimedia content are designed with accessibility in mind, the website becomes more inclusive and functional for a wider audience.
✅Example: A video with accurate closed captions makes content accessible for all.
Following these best practices, web designers can create highly accessible web pages that improve usability, engagement, and SEO. A clean design ensures smooth functionality while complying with WCAG and ADA regulations.
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Is Your Website Design Truly Accessible? Here’s How to Test It
Even the most well-designed websites can have accessibility gaps that make them difficult for users with disabilities to navigate.
The good news? Testing accessibility in your design doesn’t require advanced technical skills.
By using simple checks and tools, designers can identify and fix issues before they become barriers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to evaluating a website design and ensuring it is truly inclusive.
1. Check If Your Text is Readable
Your website text must be readable for all users, including those with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. If users struggle to understand your content, they may leave the site quickly.
- Test contrast ratios: Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure at least a 4.5:1 ratio for small text and 3:1 for larger text.
- Try zooming in: Increase text size to 200% to see if it remains readable without breaking the layout.
- Use clear fonts: Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Roboto improve readability.
🛠️Tools to Test: WebAIM Contrast Checker
A fully accessible website design allows users to navigate without a mouse. Many individuals with motor disabilities rely on keyboard navigation or assistive devices.
- Use the Tab key: Can you reach every link, button, and form field?
- Check focus indicators: Does each element highlight when selected?
- Try using Shift + Tab: Can you move backward through the page smoothly?
🛠️Tools to Test: No extra tools needed—just your keyboard!
3. Test for Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen readers help visually impaired users hear website content. If a site isn’t structured correctly, screen readers may not read elements in the right order.
- Enable VoiceOver (Mac) or NVDA (Windows): Listen to how your site sounds.
- Check alt text: Are images described properly for users who can’t see them?
- Test form labels: Do screen readers identify input fields correctly?
🛠️Tools to Test: NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (Mac) (Built-In), and JAWS (Paid).
4. Verify Links and Buttons are Accessible
Buttons and links should be clearly labeled so users know where they lead. Generic labels like “Click Here” can confuse users who rely on screen readers.
- Check link text: Does each link describe its purpose?
- Ensure buttons are recognizable: Avoid using only color for identification.
- Verify touch target sizes: Buttons should be at least 44×44 pixels for easy tapping.
🛠️Tools to Test: WAVE Accessibility Tool
5. Run an Automated Accessibility Audit
Sometimes, manual testing isn’t enough. Automated tools scan your entire site and highlight common accessibility issues.
- Run Google Lighthouse: It scores your site’s accessibility in seconds.
- Use WAVE or Axe: These tools provide detailed reports on errors.
- Test across multiple devices: Ensure responsive web design on desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
🛠️Tools to Test: Google Lighthouse, WAVE, axe DevTools
6. Test Forms for Accessibility
Forms should be easy to fill out for all users, including those using assistive technologies.
- Ensure labels are clear: Labels should describe the input field’s purpose.
- Check error messages: They should be specific and easy to understand.
- Try completing forms with a keyboard: Can you navigate and submit without a mouse?
🛠️Tools to Test: Tota11y (helps visualize accessibility issues).
7. Validate Multimedia Accessibility
Videos and audio content should be usable by everyone, including users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Check for closed captions: Every video should have captions.
- Provide transcripts: Text versions of audio content improve accessibility.
- Avoid autoplay: Users should control playback to prevent distractions.
🛠️Tools to Test: YouTube Automatic Captions, Rev.com (for manual captions)
8. Simulate Different Disabilities Using Browser Extensions
To truly understand how users with disabilities experience your site, try simulating impairments. These tools let you test how your site appears to people with color blindness, dyslexia, or low vision.
- Test for color blindness: Does your site remain readable in grayscale?
- Enable a dyslexia-friendly font: Some fonts improve readability for users with dyslexia.
- Reduce animations: Sudden movements can distract users with cognitive disabilities.
🛠️Tools to Test: Funkify (Chrome)
Making an accessible design isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing effort.
Regularly test your website accessibility, gather user feedback, and update designs based on real-world usage.
Provide Accessible User Experiences for All with Duck.Design Website Designs
Duck.Design is an affordable web design company that will help you create a standout design without breaking the bank.
At Duck.Design, we specialize in creating accessible website designs that are not only visually appealing but also user-friendly for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
We follow the best web design practices, and our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every visitor enjoys a seamless browsing experience, regardless of their abilities.
- Our Portfolio Speaks Volumes
We’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, delivering designs that prioritize accessibility without compromising aesthetics.
Here are a few examples from our portfolio:
ASTRAFY
We developed a comprehensive branding strategy for ASTRAFY, focusing on clear visuals and intuitive navigation to ensure all users can engage effortlessly.
Express Assignments
Our team enhanced the user interface for Express Assignments, implementing accessible features that cater to a wide audience, including those using assistive technologies.
Wafee
In designing the Wafee banking website, we prioritized accessibility, ensuring that users with varying abilities can manage their finances with ease.
- Flexible Design Subscription Plans
Understanding the varying needs of businesses, Duck.Design offers flexible subscription-based services. Our plans provide unlimited design requests and revisions for a fixed monthly rate, offering exceptional value and flexibility.
✅Why Choose Duck.Design?
- Expertise in Accessibility: Our designs comply with WCAG and ADA standards, ensuring legal compliance and a broader reach.
- Client Satisfaction: Our clients commend us for our ability to blend innovative technology with user-centric design, resulting in high-quality, accessible websites.
- Global Recognition: We’ve been recognized among the top UX/UI agencies for SME and enterprise brands globally, reflecting our dedication to excellence.
Book a free demo call with Duck.Design to create websites that are not only beautiful but also accessible to all, enhancing user experience and expanding your audience reach.
