Web accessibility: integrating best practices from the design stage

Web accessibility has become a crucial issue in making the web inclusive and usable for everyone. But what exactly does web accessibility mean, and why could integrating it from the design phase of your website be a winning strategy?

What is Web Accessibility?

Web accessibility means designing websites that are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes:

• Physical impairments: keyboard navigation, voice commands.
• Visual impairments: screen readers, color contrast.
• Cognitive disabilities: simplified content and interfaces.

International standards like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provide clear recommendations for making websites accessible.

Accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards or legal requirements—it’s about making the web more human by ensuring digital experiences are accessible to all.

Benefits of Integrating Accessibility from the Design Phase

A Better User Experience

An accessible website is more intuitive and easier to use, not just for people with disabilities, but for all users.

For example: simplified navigation and clear, well-structured content benefit everyone, including those browsing your site under difficult conditions (such as a slow connection or a bright screen).

Reaching a Wider Audience

Making your site accessible allows you to reach a demographic that is often excluded from online experiences. This also benefits people without disabilities by offering a clearer and more intuitive design.

According to the WHO, about 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability.

Better Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

An accessible website is also better optimized for search engines. Search engines prioritize well-structured, fast-loading, and easy-to-navigate content. By applying accessibility best practices, you automatically improve your SEO.

A Positive Brand Image

Consumers prefer to engage with companies that are committed and responsible. An inclusive website shows that you care about all your customers, enhancing your reputation and strengthening audience loyalty.

Long-Term Time and Cost Savings

Considering accessibility from the design phase prevents costly modifications after your site goes live. It’s a proactive approach that saves time and resources.

Web Accessibility: A Choice, Not a Constraint

While accessibility is highly recommended, many websites still do not consider it. Every web project has its own constraints, whether financial, technical, or related to stakeholder priorities.

The key is to see accessibility as an opportunity to create better experiences and offer a website that reflects your values and those of your customers.

How We Integrate Accessibility into Your Projects

From the design phase, we create interfaces adapted to diverse user needs. For example:

• Using semantic HTML tags to structure content logically (header, footer, article,…) so screen readers can identify different sections and facilitate navigation.
• Designing large, easily clickable buttons.
• Ensuring smooth keyboard navigation.
• Adding alternative text (ALT) to images, so screen reader users understand their content.
• Optimizing color contrast to ensure readability for visually impaired users.
• Providing subtitles and transcripts for audio and video content.
• Offering an option to reduce or disable animations, preventing issues for users with photosensitive epilepsy or sensitivity to motion.
• Conducting accessibility tests using dedicated tools.

Conclusion

Web accessibility is a strategic investment that benefits everyone: your users, your brand image, and your online performance.

If you want to learn more or need guidance in creating an inclusive and high-performing website, our team is here to help.