The significance of the principles of Universal Design within the concept of web accessibility cannot be overstated. Universal Design (UD) principles ensure that all goods and services are equally accessible to both non-disabled individuals and people with disabilities.
Keep reading to learn more about Universal Design, accessible design principles, and its application to web accessibility. This section explains the seven principles of universal design and the benefits of using them for your website, mobile app, storefront, and service location.
Equitable Use
Equitable use means ensuring that your physical space is accessible to all users, from the non-disabled to those requiring wheelchair access. For example, a local hardware store may decide to install a wheelchair ramp, modify entryways to make them more inclusive, or produce highly visible signage that will better inform the visually impaired.
This principle also extends to e-commerce websites. For example, the Shopify website has different navigation options. However, equitable access means adhering to website accessibility guidelines by providing alternative views, such as using larger fonts, additional reading aids, and other features to assist the visually and cognitively impaired.
Don’t overlook this principle as it relates to focus management. Individuals with cognitive impairments must avoid intensive website navigation and rely on keyboard-operable website functions to help alleviate mobility symptoms.
Flexibility in Use
Flexibility and ease of use mean providing multiple ways to perform the same function. For example, an e-commerce site can offer different search methods to accommodate people with various disabilities.
One real-world example is your local supermarket, which may offer various interaction options. Customers can self-checkout or ask a cashier for assistance, accommodating people with a wide range of disabilities.
Simple and Intuitive Use
Simple and intuitive use means creating a straightforward UI. For example, a bus can have a large electronic display with visually clear bus stops and other route information. Even newcomers should be able to understand what is on the screen.
The same applies to bank ATMs, which can benefit from accessibility standards by employing a range of visual options like higher color contrast ratios to assist the visually impaired or captioning for people who are hard of hearing.
Remember, it’s all about WCAG 2.1, ADA, Section 508, and EN 301549 accessibility compliance.
Perceptible Information
The perceptual information principle ensures that regardless of a person’s sensory abilities, they can effectively navigate a website that adheres to web accessibility principles.
For example, larger e-commerce websites may utilize assistive devices like screen readers to better position written content for the visually impaired. Don’t forget about internationalizing your website to accommodate individuals with disabilities who speak different languages and use different character sets.
The best example of this is closed captioning in audio and videos. The hard of hearing benefit from seeing written content on the screen depicting the action and capturing critical moments.
When it comes to accessible vs. inclusive design, Perceptive Information is a hot topic as well.
Tolerance for Error
Low tolerance for error implies making instructions as straightforward as possible for people with all disabilities, especially in brick-and-mortar locations such as checkout counters and e-commerce sites like shopping carts. Remember, even one usability mistake can significantly decrease your conversion rates.
Multiple pathways, such as alternative routes, should be available to achieve the same outcome. Users can try another with clear and prompt feedback through error messages or similar alerts if one method does not work.
In short, it’s all about implementing error recovery mechanisms to make an interface user-friendly for individuals with disabilities.
Low Physical Effort
Another principle of Universal Design is low physical effort. It means using your space to help people with disabilities avoid accidental or unintended actions. Additionally, accommodations should be made for seated or standing users, with a user’s body size taken into consideration.
To minimize sustained physical effort, ensure you accommodate as many individual preferences as possible and set the right user expectations, whether a seated or standing user.
This principle applies not only to wheelchair or mobility-impaired users but also seeks to remove barriers by focusing on areas such as ergonomics and user interface so that anyone, regardless of physical ability, can be safe when moving about. Remember, accessible design minimizes hazards for the seated or standing user.
For example, there’s a significant emphasis on universal design for everyday items like kitchen faucets and trash cans. Today, trash cans have sensors that allow them to open and close with a quick wave of the hand. Other objects may have more accessible handles or varied ergonomics to cater to their users’ different strengths and weaknesses.
Regarding digital interfaces, keeping physical effort low also implies prioritizing voice control commands over tactile methods. Remember, many people with dyslexia and cognitive impairments require this principle to better navigate and interact with a website or mobile application.
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Another of the seven principles is providing sufficient size and space for approach and use, which involves creating specialized designs for people with limited mobility. For example, a supermarket may install wheelchair ramps that accommodate a wide range of wheelchairs or are tailored to a user’s body size.
Additionally, they may assess existing designs to determine necessary widening adjustments at the checkout counter for the disabled seated or standing user.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions with Universal Design
As with any other discipline, universal design faces challenges and misconceptions. Three common ones are limited understanding and awareness, perceived high cost, and a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Limited understanding and awareness mean that not everyone in the design community grasps the concept of Universal Design. Some may even dismiss accessibility as unimportant.
- Secondly, there’s the perceived cost and complexity of Universal Design projects. Many businesses and organizations believe it to be prohibitively expensive to implement. However, many federal agencies have recognized that it can lead to significant cost savings, boost SEO, and increase organic traffic over time.
- Lastly, there’s the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach, which can hinder widespread adoption. This belief that there must be one design that suits everyone ignores the need for specialized options for specific user groups, such as those with cognitive or visual disabilities. Remember, any website or mobile application that adopts a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to comply with WCAG 2.1, ADA, Section 508, and EN 301549 standards.
One of the best ways to dispel misconceptions is through ongoing education. Whether it’s for web developers, site users, or business owners, addressing misconceptions before fully committing to awareness and inclusivity efforts ensures that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in goods and services.
How Accessibly Can Help You With Universal Design Principles
The Accessibly app is one of the leading widgets for increasing ADA and WCAG compliance, allowing individuals with disabilities to customize their browsing experience with several features. These include highlighting links, inverting colors, and adjusting text size.
Not being ADA compliant can have adverse consequences, such as pending legal risk and loss of business opportunities.
To increase ADA and WCAG compliance today, try out Accessibly. It offers a free 7-day trial, allowing you to test all features before committing to a monthly subscription for as low as $20 a month. As of now, Accessibly is integrated within the following platforms: Shopify, Squarespace, WordPress, Magento, Weebly, Elementor, Wix, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Drupal, Joomla, Webflow, and Duda. You can also install Accessibly on any website via custom code.
