Accessibility Guidelines to Know for Human-Computer Interaction

Accessibility guidelines are essential for creating inclusive digital experiences. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) focus on making web content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, ensuring everyone can access and interact with information effectively.

1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

   • A set of international standards aimed at making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
   • Organized around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
   • Provides specific criteria and success criteria to evaluate accessibility.

2. Perceivable content

   • Information must be presented in ways that users can perceive, such as through text, images, and audio.
   • Users should be able to perceive all content regardless of their sensory abilities.
   • Includes guidelines for providing alternatives for non-text content.

3. Operable user interface

   • Users must be able to operate the interface, including navigation and controls.
   • All functionality should be accessible via a keyboard, not just a mouse.
   • Time-based actions should allow users to pause, stop, or adjust.

4. Understandable information

   • Content must be clear and easy to understand for all users.
   • Language should be simple, and instructions should be straightforward.
   • Users should be informed of changes in context or functionality.

5. Robust and compatible content

   • Content should be compatible with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.
   • Use of standard coding practices ensures that content remains accessible as technology evolves.
   • Regular testing with various tools and devices is essential.

6. Alternative text for images

   • Provide descriptive text alternatives for images to convey the same information.
   • Ensure that alternative text is concise yet informative.
   • Avoid using "image of" or "picture of" in the description.

7. Keyboard accessibility

   • All interactive elements must be operable using a keyboard alone.
   • Ensure that users can navigate through content and controls without a mouse.
   • Provide visible focus indicators for keyboard navigation.

8. Color contrast and use

   • Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors for readability.
   • Avoid using color as the only means of conveying information.
   • Test color combinations to meet accessibility standards.

9. Clear and consistent navigation

   • Navigation should be predictable and consistent across the site.
   • Use clear labels and headings to guide users through content.
   • Provide a way to return to the homepage or previous pages easily.

10. Readable and legible text

    • Use clear fonts and appropriate sizes to enhance readability.
    • Limit the use of jargon and complex language.
    • Break up text into manageable sections with headings and lists.

11. Captions for multimedia content

    • Provide captions for videos to ensure accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing users.
    • Include transcripts for audio content to support users with hearing impairments.
    • Ensure captions are synchronized with the audio.

12. Responsive design for various devices

    • Design should adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.
    • Ensure that content is accessible on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.
    • Test responsiveness to maintain usability across platforms.

13. Assistive technology compatibility

    • Ensure that content works seamlessly with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
    • Use semantic HTML to enhance compatibility with assistive tools.
    • Regularly test with various assistive technologies to identify issues.

14. Form design and labeling

    • Clearly label all form fields and provide instructions for completion.
    • Use error messages that are specific and helpful for correcting mistakes.
    • Ensure that forms are navigable and operable via keyboard.

15. Error prevention and recovery

    • Provide users with the ability to review and confirm actions before submission.
    • Offer clear error messages that explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
    • Allow users to easily undo actions or recover from errors.