"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."

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DESIGN & UX

How to make your web experiences more accessible in 2025

Not everyone experiences the internet in the same way. Some of us listen more than we read, while others might find swiping easier than typing. These preferences often aren’t just about convenience—they can stem from necessity, especially for those living with disabilities. As our digital world grows, the gaps in accessibility continue to leave millions of people behind. So, making your website more accessible isn’t just a smart move for you—it’s a way to help build a more inclusive web for everyone.

What is Web Accessibility?

When we talk about web accessibility, we're referring to designing websites and digital tools that everyone can use, including those with disabilities. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) defines web accessibility as making sure people with auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual disabilities can fully engage with online content. An inclusive web means you’re making it possible for everyone to understand, navigate, and interact with your content.

Poorly designed websites put up barriers for millions of people around the world. But accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. It helps people using mobile devices, older individuals whose abilities might be changing, those with temporary disabilities, and even people dealing with situational challenges like bright sunlight or slow internet connections.

Improving Web Accessibility

The W3C has developed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to set the standard for web accessibility. Here are six key ways you can make your website more accessible:

1. Add Alt Text to Images 💬

Alt text is a brief description of an image that allows visually impaired users to understand what the image is about. Screen readers can read this text aloud, making your images accessible. For instance, instead of just displaying a picture, you might include an alt text like, "Bare-chested man with a glorious moustache under a tiny waterfall gazing deeply into your soul."

2. Enable Keyboard Navigation ⌨️

Make sure people can navigate your site without needing a mouse. This means ensuring that all essential elements like anchor text, widgets, URLs, drop-down menus, and calls to action are keyboard-accessible. Use HTML links, form fields, and buttons so that every important part of your site can be accessed with a keyboard.

3. Adjustable Font Sizes 🇦

Small fonts can be tough to read, especially for those with visual impairments. You can create an alternative font sheet that lets users adjust the font size without messing up your site’s layout. Make sure your headings are large and easy to read for everyone.

4. Accessible Videos and Multimedia 📹

When it comes to video content, use audio descriptions to explain actions for blind users, similar to how alt text works for images. For those who are hearing-impaired, provide text captions that describe the action and subject matter. For live-streamed events on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, consider using real-time automatic captioning. Choosing reliable multimedia players, such as HTML5, is also a good move.

5. Use Descriptive URLs 🌐

People using screen readers rely on URLs to help provide context. Writing descriptive, concise URLs can make a big difference. For example, “www.wearebrain.com/ourservices” is much more informative than “www.wearebrain.com/whatwedo.”

6. Be Aware of Contrast Sensitivity 👁️‍🗨️

To help users with visual impairments, like glaucoma, design your site with strong contrasts. Use colours that stand out from each other, such as black text on a white background or yellow on black, to make your content easier to read. Thicker font weights can also be easier for people to identify.

Can’t Do It Yourself? Leave It to the Pros

If this feels a bit overwhelming or if you don’t have the right skills in-house, it’s worth considering bringing in professionals to do the job right. Some people think outsourcing development is expensive, but when you compare it to the costs of trial and error, mistake fixing, and your own time, it’s often worth it to pay for specialists.

Services like accesiBe offer expert compliance solutions that can help you take on digital accessibility, making them a great fit if you’re looking to adopt digital inclusion and improve your user experience. Companies like Axess Lab specialise in helping you build accessible and usable products.

Summary

Improving web accessibility doesn’t just expand your reach - it helps you connect with a wider audience and supports those with disabilities, making the web a more universal space. Inclusivity and web accessibility are ethical practices that enhance your brand’s image and build customer loyalty. With just a bit of effort, you can make a substantial difference for millions of people around the world.

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