What Are WCAG Guidelines, and How Do They Impact UX Design?

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Web accessibility is crucial in ensuring websites and digital assets are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Those new to UX Design might have heard of WCAG or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. A quick Google search will make you realize that deep diving into the technical terms can be overwhelming for beginners.

Simply put, WCAG is the golden standard for making all digital information accessible. This benefits both the end users and the businesses that adopt it. The guidelines don’t exist for mere compliance alone. It’s focused on creating better user experiences, improving website performance, and expanding its reach. This article breaks down WCAG, what it is, why it’s essential, and how it impacts UX Design.

What is WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to serve as a benchmark for accessibility compliance. At its core, WCAG guidelines are based on four principles:

• Perceivable: Information must be presented in perceivable ways so that people using at least only one of their senses can still understand.
• Operable: Users must be able to interact with the website and all its elements, even without a mouse. The website must be easily navigated using a keyboard or voice controls.
• Understandable: Information and functionality must be clear and easy to comprehend.
• Robust: The website and its contents must be compatible with assistive technologies and adaptable to future tools.

These principles ensure that all users can navigate websites and online information effectively regardless of ability.

Why WCAG Matters

Web accessibility is vital as it allows users to access content without hurdles. Inaccessible websites, on the other hand, deny people with disabilities their right to access information. As government services and businesses slowly migrate online, people now rely on websites more than ever. Exclusion from accessing critical information is the digital version of steps in a building entrance.

Here are reasons why business owners, web developers, and designers should care about WCAG:

Improved User Experience

An accessible website creates a more enjoyable experience for end users. The goal of WCAG standards is to develop more intuitive and easier-to-navigate websites. This is done by implementing a logical website flow, using simple language, and providing alternative text for images, among other things. It’s also particularly beneficial for those using mobile devices or experiencing situational challenges such as poor lighting or slow internet. 

Expanded Audience Reach

One in four adults in the U.S. lives with a disability. This corresponds to over 70 million Americans, a significant portion of the market that businesses could be alienating by not addressing web accessibility issues. WCAG-compliant websites are inclusive, helping companies tap into an often overlooked audience.

Legal Risk Mitigation

Lawsuits related to digital accessibility have been on the rise lately. In 2023, 2,281 website accessibility lawsuits were filed, targeting durables and apparel, food and beverage, and retailing companies. While WCAG is not a legal requirement, it is frequently referenced in lawsuits and settlements. Adopting WCAG standards helps SMBs reduce the risk of litigation.

Enhanced SEO

Accessibility and SEO go hand in hand. Features like alternative text, logical flow, and proper heading structures meet WCAG criteria while improving search engine rankings. This helps drive more organic traffic to a website as users engage and interact more.

How WCAG Guidelines Impact UX Design

It’s a common misconception in the designing process that WCAG is an afterthought, like an add-on to improve the website. This is entirely false and can lead to subpar accessibility solutions. Here are a few key WCAG-aligned design practices that significantly improve user experience.

Color Contrast

Users with visual impairments rely heavily on color contrast to perceive and navigate digital space. If the contrast between text and background is insufficient, it creates barriers for users to read text or interact with website elements. Designers must ensure that their color palettes meet accessibility standards. The minimum contrast ratio between body text and background should be 4.5:1, and 3:1 for larger text to ensure legibility. 

Structured Content

Making the most of the information hierarchy and its logical structure is helpful for users who use assistive technologies that vocalize content. A well-structured page that effectively uses headings and subheadings allows users to navigate more easily.

Keyboard Navigation

For non-mouse users, keyboard accessibility is the only way to interact with a site. The Tab key allows them to jump from one element to another. To make the website accessible for keyboard navigation, add focus indicators to links and other clickable features on the page. Focus indicators usually appear as a border or a highlight around the focused element.

Alt Text for Images

Alternative text provides meaningful descriptions for images, tables, and other objects, which can be read by screen readers and help people understand what the elements are about. This is most useful for people who are blind or have low vision. An alt text adds key information, so skip vague labels like “image123.jpg and incorporate alternative text that contributes to accessibility.

Responsive Design

Responsive design improves user experience by adjusting the size of elements based on the screen. Fluid layouts are preferred over fixed-width since they remain readable across different devices and retain optimal usability. At least 67.81% of U.S. users access websites using their smartphones. With the design process in mind, this means ensuring the website is optimized for mobile devices, as emphasized in WCAG 2.1.

What You Can Do to Achieve WCAG Compliance

Adopting the WCAG standards isn’t a one-time endeavor. It requires constant feedback and adjustment before you get a fully compliant website, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Begin by evaluating the current website’s accessibility issues. ADA and WCAG compliance checker tools help identify areas where the site does not meet the standards. A manual audit focusing on user journey and navigation can inform you of lapses on the site. Involve users with disabilities in this process for real-world feedback.

2. Start With Small, High-Impact Changes

While complying with all the WCAG criteria is the end goal, it will initially feel overwhelming. The best thing to do to improve the website’s accessibility is to start with minor changes. Fixing broken links, improving foreground and background color contrast, and adding alternative text are great, high-impact changes that will immediately enhance the site’s user experience. 

3. Educate Your Team About WCAG Guidelines

Train your team on the basic accessibility principles. Ensure they understand WCAG guidelines and the importance of inclusive design. You can begin by teaching the appropriate WCAG level for your business. WCAG 2.1 delineates three levels of conformance:

• A: This is the lowest level where minimum accessibility is required.
• AA: The mid-range addresses common barriers and is the baseline because of its strong accessibility, but it might present problems for a small group of readers. 
• AAA: The highest level is used for advanced accessibility needs. Along with A and AA standards, it demands all pre-recorded videos to include sign language translation with extended audio descriptions. 

4. Schedule Regular Audits

Accessibility is not a one-time project. The WCAG standards are regularly updated, so websites must also be regularly tested to ensure ongoing compliance. An audit every six months can help ensure WCAG goal alignment. 

Designing for an Inclusive Experience

A business’s digital presence must be maximized to cater to a wide range of audiences. WCAG compliance ensures that the website thrives as it unlocks new markets and ensures engagement. This overall better user experience future-proofs any company’s digital presence by positioning themselves as champions of inclusivity.