|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Welcome to your no-BS guide to WCAG! If you’ve been keeping up with our WCAG 2.2 series, you’ll remember the four foundational principles of web accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust—better known as the POUR principles. (Missed that part? Catch up here.) These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the pillars that make sure digital content works for everyone.
But we’re not stopping at theory. The POUR principles break down into 13 actionable WCAG guidelines—your playbook for making real accessibility happen. While they’re not testable on their own, they’re what you should be aiming for to nail the user experience for all.
Key Points to Keep in Mind:
Blueprint for Action: The WCAG guidelines give you the tools to meet accessibility standards by breaking down what success looks like and how to get there.
Not Testable by Themselves: You won’t be running tests directly against the guidelines. Instead, they help you focus on the bigger picture and make smarter decisions when implementing changes.
Covers All Bases: These guidelines consider a range of disabilities, assistive tech, and user challenges, making sure your site or app works for everyone.
Got the basics? Let’s dive into the 13 WCAG guidelines and make them easy to digest. Whether you’re building a site for your local bakery or managing a massive e-commerce platform, these guidelines will keep you on track.
Perceivable Guidelines
When we say “perceivable,” we mean making sure that all users can see, hear, and understand the info on your site( but you already know what 👀). If someone can’t perceive your content, they can’t interact with it. The guidelines here ensure your content works for users with sensory impairments, so no one’s left in the dark.
1. Text Alternatives(1.1.1)
The Goal: Provide alternatives for non-text content.
Why It Matters: Users with visual impairments rely on descriptions to access non-text content like images, videos, and audio files. Without these descriptions, they miss out.
Example: Instead of leaving an image blank, provide descriptive alt text. For example, “A pair of red running shoes with white stripes” gives a clear mental image for users who can’t see it.
Pro Tip: Keep alt text concise, don’t overdo it with unnecessary keywords, and there’s no need to include phrases like “image of” or “picture of.” Focus on making it meaningful for screen reader users.
2. Time-based Media (1.2.1 – 1.2.9)
The Goal: Offer alternatives for audio and video content.
Why It Matters: People with hearing impairments need captions for videos, while those with visual impairments might need audio descriptions for visual-only elements.
Example: If you’re posting a video of your new product launch, make sure it’s captioned and includes a transcript for those who can’t hear the audio.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Amara or Kapwing to easily add captions to videos. Captions aren’t just helpful—they also improve SEO!
3. Adaptable (1.3.1 – 1.3.6)
The Goal: Ensure content can be presented in different ways without losing its meaning.
Why It Matters: Users interact with content in diverse ways—whether it’s adjusting text size, using screen readers, or switching to mobile view.
Example: A responsive web design that automatically adapts to different screen sizes or orientations helps everyone, from a user on a smartphone to someone using a magnifier.
Pro Tip: Test your site across devices with tools like BrowserStack to make sure your content adapts without breaking.
4. Distinguishable (1.4.1 – 1.4.13)
The Goal: Make it easier for users to see and hear content.
Why It Matters: Strong contrast between text and background is essential for users with low vision or color blindness. Also, people with hearing impairments benefit from clear audio controls.
Example: Ensure your website has strong colour contrasts—like dark text on a light background—so people with visual impairments can easily read the content.
Pro Tip: Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify your site’s colour contrast ratios.
Operable Guidelines
Now we’re moving into Operable, the second part of the POUR principles. This is all about ensuring that users can interact with your site easily—whether they’re using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technology. It’s not enough for content to be perceivable; users need to navigate and operate your website too.
5. Keyboard Accessible (2.1.1 – 2.1.4)
The Goal: Ensure all functionality is available via a keyboard.
Why It Matters: Some users rely on keyboards to navigate because they can’t use a mouse—this includes people with motor impairments.
Example: Make sure your website’s menus, links, and interactive elements can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard.
Pro Tip: Try navigating your website without a mouse. If you can’t, it’s time for some fixes!
6. Enough Time (2.2.1 – 2.2.6)
The Goal: Provide users with enough time to read and interact with content.
Why It Matters: Users with cognitive or motor impairments may need extra time to fill out forms, complete tasks, or simply read the information on your site.
Example: Instead of setting a strict time limit on a form, give users the option to extend the time or disable it entirely.
Pro Tip: Tools like Tota11y can help you test your site’s time-based features and ensure they’re accessible.
7. Seizures and Physical Reactions (2.3.1 – 2.3.3)
The Goal: Avoid content that could trigger seizures or physical reactions.
Why It Matters: Flashing or blinking content can trigger seizures in users with photosensitive epilepsy or cause discomfort for others.
Example: Avoid using content that flashes more than three times per second.
Pro Tip: Tools like Trace can analyze your site for any flashing elements that might pose a risk.
8. Navigable (2.4.1 – 2.4.12)
The Goal: Help users navigate, find content, and figure out where they are.
Why It Matters: Users need intuitive pathways and consistent navigation to move through your site without confusion, especially those with cognitive disabilities.
Example: Create clear headers, use breadcrumb trails, and provide skip-to-content links so users can easily jump past repetitive navigation.
Pro Tip: Ensure all links are clearly labeled and not just “click here.” Context is key!
9. Input Modalities (2.5.1 – 2.5.4)
The Goal: Make it easier for users to operate your site with various input methods like voice, touch, or gestures.
Why It Matters: Not everyone uses a mouse. Some may use voice commands, touchscreens, or assistive technology.
Example: Ensure touch targets (like buttons) are large enough and that voice commands can operate your site smoothly.
Pro Tip: Test using tools like Google Voice Access to see how voice commands work with your site.
Understandable Guidelines
Now we’re into Understandable, the part of POUR that’s all about making sure your content is clear and functions in a predictable way. Users should be able to comprehend your content and know how to interact with it without any unexpected surprises.
10. Readable (3.1.1 – 3.1.6)
The Goal: Make text content clear and easy to understand.
Why It Matters: Simple language and well-organized content help users of all literacy levels, especially those with cognitive disabilities.
Example: Break text into short paragraphs, use bullet points, and avoid jargon.
Pro Tip: Run your content through tools like Hemingway App to check for readability.
11. Predictable (3.2.1 – 3.2.4)
The Goal: Ensure your website behaves in predictable ways.
Why It Matters: Consistent design and navigation help all users, especially those with cognitive disabilities, avoid confusion.
Example: Keep your website’s layout, buttons, and navigation the same across all pages so users know what to expect.
Pro Tip: Test your website’s flow with real users to catch any unpredictable interactions.
12. Input Assistance (3.3.1 – 3.3.7)
The Goal: Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
Why It Matters: Error messages and instructions should be clear and helpful, especially for those with cognitive disabilities.
Example: If a user misses a required field in a form, provide immediate feedback highlighting the mistake and how to fix it.
Pro Tip: Use accessibility validators like Deque Axe to ensure form inputs are clear and easy to correct.
Robust Guidelines
Finally, we arrive at Robust, the fourth principle. This is about making sure your content is compatible with different technologies and remains accessible as those technologies evolve.
13. Compatible (4.1.1 – 4.1.3)
The Goal: Maximize compatibility with current and future technologies.
Why It Matters: Users rely on different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies. Ensuring compatibility means your content will still be accessible as these technologies change.
Example: Ensure your HTML is clean, error-free, and compliant with accessibility standards, so it works well with screen readers and other assistive tools.
Pro Tip: Regularly test your website with multiple devices and assistive technologies to catch any issues early.
Wrapping Up
The 13 WCAG guidelines offer a solid foundation for creating more accessible, user-friendly digital experiences. By following these, you not only ensure compliance but also create a better, more inclusive web for everyone.
Always remember that accessibility is an ongoing journey. Regular testing, user feedback, and staying updated on new standards are key to making your website truly accessible.
So, what’s your next step? Take a moment to review your site. Pick one of the 13 guidelines and start there. Accessibility improvements don’t have to be overwhelming—small changes make a big difference!
Next, we’ll explore each Success Criterion for these guidelines. See you there!