Digital accessibility: not a bonus, but a foundation

More and more websites are technically meeting the guidelines for digital accessibility. However, in practice, it turns out that content and design often still create unnecessary barriers. Web design specialist Thijs explains why this is the case and, more importantly, what can be done about it.

Three pillars: technology, design, content

1. Technology

Accessibility starts with technology: the code needs to be structured correctly. A screen reader must be able to identify what the main menu is, what a button does, and what went wrong in a form. Most modern websites are technically quite okay.

2. Design

Design is the next layer. Think about sufficient colour contrast, clear buttons, and a coherent navigation structure. The same applies here: set it up correctly once, and then you hardly have to worry about it.

3. Content

This is often where things go wrong. Placing text over an image. Making all headings bold instead of using a heading structure. Links that can only be recognised by their colour. No descriptive error messages for forms. Small things that have a huge impact on a large group.

Accessibility is not a project, but a process

Digital accessibility is not a project that you complete. It is an ongoing process. Content changes daily, and so does accessibility. Therefore, the content manager must know what to pay attention to.

Five mistakes you can avoid right away

1. Not measuring colour contrast – Use a tool and maintain 4.5:1 as the minimum.

2. Making links recognisable only by colour – Always add an underline.

3. Images without alt text – Or worse: with filenames as alt text.

4. Using bold for headings – Use headers (H1, H2, H3) for structure.

5. Error messages without context – Specify which field is missing and why.

Accessibility also improves your findability

An accessible website is more readable for screen readers and search engines. So apart from obligations or ethics: it's simply smart for findability. And possibly for ranking in the future.

Build it correctly once, then maintain it well

Get technology and design scanned or tested. Many mistakes can be fixed once. Content requires ongoing attention, but that doesn't have to be a headache. Ensure that editors know what they are doing. Make it standard in your content process. And test regularly.

Ready for action?

Are you working on a redesign? Immediately incorporate the guidelines. It doesn't have to cost more. Want to know more or discuss your current site? Get in touch – we would be happy to help.