Accessibility is a critical aspect of design that is often overlooked, leading to costly fixes. Designers play a crucial role in ensuring products are inclusive from the start. This comprehensive guide outlines the key areas where designers can impact accessibility, from visual design to complex interactions.
Stephanie Walter emphasizes the importance of documenting accessibility requirements throughout the design process. Designers must consider color contrast, text resizing, link and button identification, form usability, keyboard navigation, and alternative content for audio/video. Detailed documentation helps development teams implement accessibility features correctly. Accessibility should be a core part of the design workflow, not an afterthought. By proactively documenting accessibility requirements, designers can ensure products are inclusive from the start, saving time and money in the long run.
