If you’re a WordPress designer working on SaaS, eCommerce, or content-heavy sites, accessibility should be a core part of your UX/UI strategy. Let’s dive into the practical tips that align with WCAG 2.1 Level AA (the legal and ethical standard).
Why accessibility matters, we revealed in this article and dive into A, AA, AAA levels essentials in this article.
Why Accessibility Matters (And Why Ignoring It is a Bad Idea)
Ignoring accessibility can cost you both lost users and potential lawsuits. Countries like the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Norway require websites to meet at least Level AA compliance. But beyond the legal risks, an accessible website improves users’ perception and conversion.
The UX/UI Survival Guide for Accessibility (or How Not to Annoy Users)
SaaS Websites: Making Software Feel Less Like Rocket Science
- Dashboard & Navigation: Make menus keyboard-friendly, because not everyone loves (or has) a mouse.
- Form Handling: Labels and auto-complete fields = fewer rage quits.
- Color & Contrast: Keep it readable — no one enjoys guessing if that’s a button or a hallucination.
- Real-Time Updates: Notify users properly, but don’t be that website that screams at them.
- Help & Documentation: Clear, accessible help pages > endless support tickets.
eCommerce Sites: Help Users Spend Money Without Frustration
- Product Accessibility: Alt text isn’t just for SEO — blind users need to know what they’re buying.
- Checkout Process: Make forms smooth so users don’t abandon their carts in a fit of rage.
- Keyboard Navigation: If users need a mouse to shop, you’re doing it wrong.
- Error Prevention: “Oops, something went wrong” is not an accessibility strategy. Be clear.
- Responsive Layouts: Nobody should have to do finger gymnastics to browse on mobile.
Blogs & Content Sites: Keep Readers Hooked, Not Confused
- Headings & Readability: Logical headers = readers who don’t get lost in a text maze.
- Adjustable Text Settings: Let users tweak fonts without breaking the site.
- Hyperlink Accessibility: “Click here” is a crime — describe what’s actually behind the link.
- Accessible Multimedia: Captions and transcripts = more engaged users.
- Text-to-Speech Compatibility: Screen readers deserve love too.
General Accessibility Hacks (a.k.a. Common Sense UI)
- Contrast & Readability: If users need to squint, you’ve failed.
- No Text in Images: Because copying and pasting is a human right.
- Resize Text: Let users zoom in without turning your layout into abstract art.
- Keyboard Accessibility: Not everyone has a steady hand for that tiny dropdown.
- Error Suggestion: “Wrong password” is useless. Tell users what’s actually wrong.
- Status Messages: Let assistive tech announce updates without a full-page meltdown.
Going the Extra Mile (Level AAA – Because Why Not?)
If you want to supercharge accessibility, consider:
- 7:1 contrast ratio — so even Batman can read your text in the dark.
- Sign language videos for those who prefer it over captions.
- No time limits — because who likes pressure?
- Customizable colors, spacing, and animations for ultimate control.
- Live audio descriptions for streamed content — because inclusivity is cool.
Final Thoughts (or: Make the Internet a Better Place)
Accessibility isn’t an afterthought — it’s a design principle. By implementing Level AA standards in your WordPress sites, you’re improving user experience, reaching a wider audience, and avoiding legal trouble. Whether you’re building SaaS platforms, eCommerce stores, or content-driven sites, an inclusive design ensures everyone can engage with your work.
Need a quick check? Use tools like Wave, Axe, Lighthouse or DreamDev team to test accessibility and make improvements. Happy designing!