When designing web user interfaces (UIs), how does implementing accessibility features make a difference? We asked 7 industry experts for their advice on how to create digital spaces that are welcoming and usable for all. Here are their web accessibility suggestions.
- Consider Accessibility from the Beginning
- Ensure Proper Heading Structure and Alt Text
- Focus on Clear Navigation and High Contrast
- Prioritize Accessibility for Specific Needs
- Create Inclusive Digital Experiences
- Make Accessibility Integral from the Start
- Redesign for Improved Readability and Contrast
Consider Accessibility from the Beginning
I always start by considering accessibility requirements from the very beginning of the design process, rather than treating it as an afterthought or an “add-on.” This means consistently thinking about how people with different abilities will navigate and interact with the interface—whether that’s through keyboard navigation, screen readers, or other assistive technologies. I also keep up with WCAG guidelines to ensure our solutions align with industry standards, and I prioritize testing with tools like screen readers to catch issues early.
A specific example I’m proud of is when I implemented high-contrast mode toggles for a web application. Initially, our designers were focusing on a subtle color palette that looked great visually but made text and buttons harder to read for users with low vision. By adding a toggle that boosted text contrast and simplified the color scheme, we made it dramatically easier for people with visual impairments to distinguish elements on each page.
After rolling it out, we received multiple messages from users thanking us because they were finally able to navigate the site comfortably without relying on additional browser extensions. It was a clear reminder that even seemingly small accessibility tweaks can greatly improve the experience for a significant portion of users.
Matthew Woodard
Web Designer & Developer, Matthew Woodard, Inc.
Ensure Proper Heading Structure and Alt Text
With my background in SEO and web development, I always start by ensuring proper heading structure and alt text for images, which not only helps screen readers but also boosts our search rankings. Last month, we implemented high-contrast mode toggles and keyboard navigation shortcuts on Elementor’s documentation pages, which led to a 23% increase in time spent by users with assistive technologies. I’ve learned that accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making our platform genuinely usable for everyone, so I regularly test with actual screen readers and get feedback from users with different abilities.
Itamar Haim
SEO Strategist, Elementor
Focus on Clear Navigation and High Contrast
Accessibility is nonnegotiable in web design—it’s about creating an experience everyone can engage with. I focus on clear navigation, high-contrast designs, and compatibility with assistive technologies. One impactful feature we implemented was keyboard navigation for users who can’t use a mouse. This included logical tab orders and visible focus indicators, making it seamless to browse through key elements. The result? Positive feedback from visually impaired users who found the site far easier to navigate, leading to higher engagement and even conversions.
Tomasz Lewandowski
Business Owner | Web Designer, 2D Figure Painting
Prioritize Accessibility for Specific Needs
Prioritizing accessibility is integral to our web UI design process, especially when the target audience has specific needs. One current project we’re working on is for a pharma clinical trial site, designed for an audience predominantly over 50. Accessibility wasn’t just a consideration—it was a requirement. Without it, the trial simply wouldn’t achieve the traction it needs to succeed.
For this project, we implemented several accessibility features to ensure the site is user-friendly for this demographic. One key example was using screen reader compatibility and adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. We ensured proper semantic HTML structure, labeled form fields, and alt text for all images so the site could be navigated with ease by users relying on assistive technologies.
We also focused on font size and contrast ratios, providing a high-contrast mode and a scalable text option that allows users to adjust the text size according to their needs. These features were tested using tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse to ensure they met accessibility standards.
Another small but impactful feature was creating keyboard-navigable menus, allowing users who may have mobility issues to navigate the site without a mouse. This feature, combined with intuitive tab ordering, ensured smooth and accessible navigation.
The result? The site not only met the functional requirements but significantly improved usability for the target audience. Feedback from early user testing highlighted how easy the site was to use, even for less tech-savvy individuals. This, in turn, directly supports the trial’s ability to reach and engage its intended participants, making accessibility a pivotal factor in the project’s success.
For us, accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating designs that serve real people. When we prioritize accessibility, we not only meet user needs but also expand the reach and impact of the projects we work on. It’s a win for the users and the business.
Jm Littman
CEO, Webheads
Create Inclusive Digital Experiences
I believe that creating inclusive digital experiences isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with digital platforms effortlessly and with dignity. During my career in financial services I’ve driven change across organizations to support accessibility and meet the needs of vulnerable customers. By embedding inclusive practices into the core of digital strategies, organizations can deliver measurable impacts to their customers and business outcomes.
While leading a migration project for a large financial services company, I spearheaded the transition from an outdated, non-accessible, hard-coded website to a modern, flexible, and fully accessible design system. This overhaul involved redesigning the design system and UI to improve accessibility while ensuring the changes could scale across the organization.
We introduced a screen reader-friendly navigation system that included ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles, landmarks, and improved focus indicators. This ensured visually impaired users could navigate the site effortlessly and access critical financial information without frustration.
The impact was transformative, particularly for an audience with a high percentage of aging users. The enhanced accessibility significantly improved the customer experience, ensuring inclusivity and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to meeting the needs of all its users.
Nicole Greentree
Founder & CEO, Evagreen Consulting
Make Accessibility Integral from the Start
When designing web UIs, we prioritize accessibility by making it an integral part of the development process from the very beginning. It’s not just a final check; it’s a constant consideration during discussions with designers, developers, and testers. Beyond using tools like screen readers and contrast checkers, we rely heavily on real user feedback to ensure the experience works for everyone, not just most users.
One feature we implemented that made a significant difference was adding full keyboard navigation and focus indicators for a complex online form. Keyboard accessibility is often overlooked, but for users with mobility challenges or assistive devices, it’s essential. We ensured every input field, button, and dropdown was completely operable without a mouse, and clear focus indicators provided visual cues for navigation.
After launch, we heard from a client whose visually impaired employee was finally able to fill out forms independently for the first time. This wasn’t just a productivity boost; it was empowering for the user. That feedback reminded us that accessibility isn’t just a requirement; it’s about creating a more inclusive experience for everyone.
Vikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Redesign for Improved Readability and Contrast
When designing web UI, we prioritize accessibility by considering it from the beginning of a web design project to create an accessible user experience.
While optimizing a client’s website, we discovered that their website was cluttered with content having no clear headings, insufficient color contrast, and low readability.
To fix it, we redesigned their website with increased font size for improved readability and employed a color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 to cater to low-vision users. We also sorted their content and placed it under suitable headings using keywords with high search volume.
This resulted in an improved user experience, leading to a boost in the SERP ranking of our client, more impressions, and a 57.3% increase in conversions.
Gursharan Singh
Co-Founder, WebSpero Solutions
