Improve Accessibility While Maintaining Design Attractiveness

The perception amongst designers that improving accessibility or designing accessible web sites is a process that necessitates switching from visual attractiveness to extreme simplicity. If we look at this issue from the designers' point of view we see that making such a compromise is often something many are not willing to make.

This article aims to give designers some tips on how to maintain attractiveness of a website while focusing on accessibility and users. One might not be able to achieve both in the same degree but it is a step forward for designers just starting out on the accessibility path.

Alternatives for different audiences

For those who know their Internet audiences well it is possible to avoid making visual compromises and at the same time increase accessibility. While your average Internet users may feel comfortable and relaxed with your site's visual layout the visually impaired or those with disabilities, may encounter difficulties.

Although the purpose of accessible web design is to create a universally usable copy of a website, sometimes it is impossible to do so due to client requirements, site profile or other objective reasons. In this case, it is good practice to provide a basic accessible version of the site.

Basic web site version

A basic version of a website is "stripped" of all visual elements that are not necessary. This includes mainly graphics but also different styles such as link colours, text colour, background etc. One can obtain a basic accessible copy of their site by gradually removing all elements that are not directly part of the content. If the website works - that is, is perfectly usable - then that specific visual element was not completely necessary and removing it did not diminish the experience of using the web site.

When is a basic accessible version welcome?

If your website is using new technology like Flash, JavaScript or is simply graphic-heavy, it would be best to provide on the homepage the alternative of a html only version for Flash and JavaScript sites or a low graphics version. Providing such versions is not only beneficial to disabled users but to those who, from various reasons (such as slow Internet connections or old browsers) cannot fully enjoy modern web sites.

Keep design attractiveness and increase accessibility

Those who do intend to create a universally accessible web site version for all their users can implement several changes to preserve visual attractiveness for their users.

Design a visually balanced layout. If you feel your website could do without a certain visual element then remove it. If you feel it adds to the design attractiveness make sure you implement it with care as to not disrupt the balance or take away from usability.
Provide ALT and TITLE tags to all visual elements such as graphics. This allows disabled users to retrieve the message behind the graphics. Braille or speech based browsers use these tags in order to describe the visual message in the graphics.
Try to implement liquid design where possible. This allows users to use their own browser or settings preferences while enjoying the design to the fullest.
Do not create graphics only web sites. Try to stay away from single-images splash pages or use text within images. Disabled users or those who have their graphics turned off or those on slow connections will find it difficult and tedious to use.
Keep in mind that a visually attractive layout can be achieved using a sensible and balanced mix of graphics and colours.

Testing visually stripped web sites

In order to test and experience what visually challenged people experience when using your web site, try to use it after you've turned off graphics. If you can still identify key layout elements like navigation and can find your way easily around it then so will your users. Disabling javascript might also create issues with navigation. Make sure that users who disable javascript can still jump from page to page to the desired content.