Designing eCommerce sites for accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate, interact with, and purchase from your website. Accessibility not only broadens your customer base but also demonstrates social responsibility and compliance with legal requirements. Here are key principles and actionable steps to create an accessible eCommerce site:
1. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Adhere to WCAG 2.1: Implement the guidelines provided by WCAG 2.1, which are organized into four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
- Aim for Level AA Compliance: This is the standard level that meets the needs of the majority of users and is required by many regulations.
2. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
- Navigation: Make sure all interactive elements (menus, links, forms) are accessible via keyboard. Users should be able to navigate through the site using the Tab, Enter, and arrow keys.
- Focus Indicators: Ensure there is a visible focus indicator (outline) on elements that are currently selected or active.
3. Provide Text Alternatives
- Alt Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for all images, which screen readers can read to describe the content to visually impaired users.
- Text Transcripts: Provide transcripts for audio content and captions for video content to accommodate users with hearing impairments.
4. Use Accessible Forms
- Label Elements: Ensure all form fields have clear and descriptive labels. Use the <label> tag to associate each label with its corresponding input.
- Error Messages: Make error messages clear and specific. Provide instructions on how to correct the error.
5. Design for Visual Impairments
- Colour Contrast: Maintain high contrast between text and background to ensure readability. Use tools like the Colour Contrast Analyzer to check contrast ratios.
- Scalable Text: Allow text to be resized up to 200% without losing functionality or readability.
- Avoid Relying on Colour Alone: Do not use colour as the sole means of conveying information. Use text labels or patterns in addition to colour.
6. Ensure Responsive Design
- Mobile Accessibility: Design a responsive site that works well on all devices and screen sizes. Ensure touch targets are large enough for users with motor impairments.
- Viewport Settings: Set the viewport to scale the site correctly on different devices.
7. Structure Content for Clarity
- Headings: Use a logical heading structure (H1, H2, H3) to organize content. This helps screen readers navigate and understand the page content.
- Lists: Use ordered and unordered lists to break up content and make it easier to scan.
8. Provide Clear Navigation
- Consistent Layout: Use a consistent layout and navigation structure across all pages.
- Breadcrumbs: Implement breadcrumb navigation to help users understand their location within the site and easily return to previous pages.
9. Implement ARIA Landmarks and Roles
- ARIA Landmarks: Use Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) landmarks to define page regions (e.g., <nav>, <main>, <header>).
- ARIA Roles: Use ARIA roles to provide additional information to assistive technologies about the purpose of elements (e.g., role=”button”).
10. Test with Assistive Technologies
- Screen Readers: Test your site with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver to ensure content is accessible and navigable.
- Keyboard Navigation: Regularly test your site’s functionality using only a keyboard.
- Accessibility Audits: Use automated tools like WAVE or Axe to conduct accessibility audits and identify potential issues.
11. Educate and Train Your Team
- Accessibility Training: Provide training for your design and development teams on accessibility best practices.
- Inclusive Design: Foster a culture of inclusive design, encouraging consideration of diverse user needs throughout the design and development process.
12. Gather Feedback
- User Testing: Conduct usability testing with users who have disabilities to gain insights into real-world accessibility issues.
- Feedback Channels: Provide easy ways for users to report accessibility issues, and act on their feedback to improve your site.
Conclusion
Creating an accessible eCommerce site is an ongoing process that involves adherence to guidelines, continuous testing, and user feedback. By prioritizing accessibility, you ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy a seamless and inclusive shopping experience on your site. This not only broadens your market reach but also fosters customer loyalty and complies with legal standards.
Ready to take your e-commerce business to the next level? We’re here to help you succeed in the digital marketplace. Whether you’re looking to launch a new online store or optimize an existing one, our team at 247Commerce has the expertise and solutions to meet your needs.
Email: hey@247commerce.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 4547 929
