Do you ever feel lost trying to make your website or videos accessible? You’re not alone. Many businesses face this struggle, especially when aiming to include everyone, including those with disabilities. 3

We’ve dealt with these challenges too. We understand how tough it can be. But we have some good news! We’ve discovered effective ways to tackle these issues through better usability and design thinking. 3 Did you know that using proper colour contrast can significantly help people with visual impairments? 1

In this blog, we’ll share simple steps and practical tips on improving accessibility for your website and videos. You’ll learn about colour contrast, accessible functions, subtitles, text sizes—and more.

Ready to boost usability? Let’s get started! 2

1. Colour contrast

Improving a website’s accessibility can make a big difference for users with visual impairments. One fundamental way to do this is through colour contrast. It ensures people can easily read text on both websites and videos. 2

High contrast between text and background improves readability and usability. To enable it, we need to use accessible colour palettes that help those with colour blindness or other visual issues.

Testing the contrast helps us find areas needing improvement, making sure our design meets web accessibility standards. And it makes for happier users too! 1

2. Accessible Functions

Accessible functions make websites more manageable for everyone. Some simple yet effective steps we can take is to add alternative text for images and transcripts for audio. These changes help users who can’t see or hear well. Another step to take is to ensure audio and video controls support keyboard navigation and screen readers. 2 Keyboard navigation is also a common form of navigation and control for a lot of users whether or not they have accessibility needs. Using keyboard shortcuts helps to carry out tasks faster. Plus, there’s the added benefit of generally less strain on your hand and wrist. FYI, a screen reader is used by those with visual accessibility needs. They are a software helper function that basically reads out the content and or application controls that a user is navigating.

Text tracks, like captions and subtitles, are vital too. They assist users with hearing impairments and help index content better. Using responsive web design ensures our website looks good on all devices.

Following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) helps us create an inclusive online experience. 3

Accessibility is not a feature; it’s a social trend.

We should always aim to improve accessibility. Simple steps can go a long way toward making our site more user-friendly.

3. Subtitles/captions

Subtitles and captions make videos accessible to everyone. 4 They are essential for users with challenges hearing audio. We should add text tracks to our videos.

These can include captions, subtitles, descriptions, and chapter titles.

Text tracks using the WebVTT format improve website accessibility. Closed captioning on TV shows how important this is for video accessibility. Plus, adding transcriptions boosts SEO by helping search engines index our content better.

Let’s remember that subtitles/captions benefit all users. There have been plenty of studies that have shown that a majority of users, at one or another, use subtitles on their mobile devices to catch up on social media. There’s nothing more annoying than being on a train or bus going to work, and something has the sound on a video from their social feed blaring out.

4. Text sizes

Text sizes play a crucial role in making our websites and videos accessible too. We must choose the correct font sizes to ensure readability for everyone, including those with visual impairments. 6

Using different text dimensions can help highlight important information. Larger typography sizes can grab attention, while smaller sizes are suitable for less critical details. 5 

 Summary

Improving website and video accessibility benefits everyone. Excellent design makes content usable for all, including those with accessibility needs. By focusing on clear text, good colour contrast, and easy navigation, we create a better user experience.

Let’s make the web more usable and inclusive, one step at a time!

References

  1. ^ https://www.designtennis.com/insights/embracing-accessibility-enhancing-ux-and-digital-design-for-all (2024-09-27)
  2. ^ https://www.jscholaronline.org/articles/JCSSD/Enhancing-Usability-for-Everyone-Through-Web-Accessibility-Compliance.pdf (2024-05-25)
  3. ^ https://www.straive.com/blogs/accessibility-content-enhancement-and-design-thinking/ (2023-06-26)
  4. ^ https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/closed-captions-subtitles-ux/ (2023-01-11)
  5. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301935601_Make_It_Big_The_Effect_of_Font_Size_and_Line_Spacing_on_Online_Readability
  6. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222924266_Text_formats_and_web_design_for_visually_impaired_and_dyslexic_readers-Clear_Text_for_All (2024-10-22)