10 accessible design features that benefit everyone

In this blog, we’ll highlight 10 everyday designs, principles, or features designed for accessibility but benefit everyone. There might be some features you use daily (keyboard navigation, for me) that you didn’t realise were introduced for accessibility.

First up is open and closed captions on videos. From an accessibility perspective, video captions are essential for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers. They make audio content understandable and inclusive for everyone.

• Open captions are permanently visible to all viewers on video footage. The captions are burned into the video file, with no option to turn them off. They're good for live events and presentations where all users can benefit from the captions.
• Closed captions can be turned on or off, allowing users to personalise their viewing experience, choosing font size and caption language.

Captions also have a universal benefit. They’re useful for watching videos in noisy environments like the tube, in quiet settings like libraries or for non-native speakers.

A picture says a thousand words - but not if you are visually impaired and can’t see the image. Alt text is crucial for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to describe the image presented on screen. But the benefits don’t stop there.

Alt text is helpful when images don’t load. It helps everyone understand what should be present and supports better organic SEO.

Do you use keyboard shortcuts when using a computer? You might not realise it, but keyboard accessibility is one of the most important aspects of web accessibility. It improves operability for individuals who cannot use a mouse, letting them navigate using the Tab key.

Keyboard navigation also boosts efficiency for power users and serves as a backup when a mouse isn’t working. I often take this feature for granted, using keyboard shortcuts daily. For me, keyboard navigation is a key example of the Microsoft Inclusive Design principle of "solve for one, extend to many."

The colours you use on your website (and in print) can make a big difference in how something is perceived. For example, light grey on a white background is harder to read than black on white.

High contrast colour combinations are essential for readers with low vision or visual impairments. Adjustable text sizes also improve perception, one of the four principles of web accessibility. In addition to helping low vision users, the universal benefit is:

• Content can be read in bright sunlight.
• Content can be read in glare conditions.
• Eye strain is reduced during prolonged screen time.

Transcripts provide a text-based alternative to video and audio, supporting those who are hard of hearing, deaf or have cognitive processing difficulties. In addition to captions, transcripts are essential to make content more inclusive.

Transcripts allow all users to participate in a viewing experience; they allow for quick scanning, provide additional clarity, and improve SEO.

Descriptive link text makes navigation clearer for all users and is a basic requirement for accessibility. Screen readers read link text aloud, so it needs to be descriptive to make navigation clear and understandable. “Click here” doesn’t tell anyone where the link leads, but “visit the website accessibility checklist” does.

Clear and descriptive error messages are essential when something goes wrong on a web page. This is especially true for screen reader users who might not see issues without assistance. For everyone else, well-designed error messages and form validation messages reduce frustration and make it easier to correct mistakes.

This is a prime example of an accessibility feature you probably use daily without realising it. Simple, consistent navigation supports users with cognitive impairments, memory-related conditions and those using assistive technology. The everyday benefit for all users is enhanced UX, with intuitive navigation for everyone.

Voice assistants such as Alexa are helpful for everyday tasks and a lifeline for individuals with sight loss or mobility restrictions. The convenient hands-free interaction with voice control is a win for everyone, particularly if your phone screen has broken, while multitasking or cooking.

Writing in plain, simple language improves inclusivity and accessibility for readers of all ages. By improving the readability of your content, you support people with cognitive disabilities and learning difficulties.

It also makes content more approachable, skimmable, and quicker to understand for everyone, leading to a better user experience. And better UX leads to higher engagement, which will likely increase return visits to your website. Readability plays an important part in creating accessible web content.

Creating accessible digital experiences isn't just about meeting legal standards or supporting users with disabilities, but designing better experiences for everyone.

By focusing on accessibility from the start, you can improve usability, boost engagement, and future-proof your digital content. Small changes can make a big difference, and tools like Insytful can help you identify and address accessibility gaps quickly and easily.

Get started improving the accessibility of your web content with Insytful. Scan 100 pages for free or access premium features from £60 per month.