Understanding the needs of the many
In today’s digital world, websites are more important than ever for businesses looking to reach customers and prospects, but having a website isn’t enough. In order to maximize the potential of a website, it needs to be designed with inclusivity in mind.
Inclusivity means ensuring that all users, regardless of age, gender, race, or ability, have the same access to information on the website. In other words, it means making sure that the website is accessible to everyone. Here are some tips for making a website more inclusive:
1. Use clear, easy-to-understand language
Everyone should be able to understand what is written on the website. Avoid jargon and technical terms, and make sure that the content is written in plain English.
2. Use appropriate fonts
Fonts should be easy to read and understand, and should be large enough to be seen by users with vision impairments.
3. Make sure the website is responsive
Responsive websites resize and adjust to accommodate different devices, making it easier for users to access the website.
4. Offer alternative text
Alternative text (or “alt text”) is a brief description of an image that is read by screen readers for people with vision impairments.
5. Include videos with captions
Captions make videos accessible for people with hearing impairments, and can also be beneficial for people with cognitive disabilities.
6. Make sure the website is accessible
Websites should be designed with accessibility standards in mind, such as WCAG 2.0. This means that the website should be navigable with only the keyboard and should be able to be read by screen readers.
7. Include accessible forms
Forms should be designed so that they are easy to use, and should include features such as auto-fill and error messages.
By following these tips, businesses can ensure that their websites are accessible and inclusive for all users. In addition to helping businesses reach more customers, inclusive websites can also help to boost brand reputation and trust.