Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments so that they are usable by people with disabilities. In the context of websites and digital content, it involves ensuring that everyone, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, can access and interact with the content. The evolution of search and web technologies has increasingly emphasized the importance of accessibility.
Key principles:
- Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable.
- Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
- Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
In daily life, accessibility features like screen readers, captions, and keyboard navigation make the Internet more inclusive. For businesses, prioritizing accessibility complies with legal requirements and expands the potential audience. It enhances user experience for all users and can positively impact SEO, as search engines favor sites that provide a good experience. Trust in a company’s brand is strengthened when it demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.
(See also User Experience (UX).)