The insight amongst designers that improving accessibility or designing accessible web sites is a course that necessitates switching from visual beauty to extreme simplicity. If we look at this matter from the designers' point of view we see that creation such a compromise is often something several are not willing to create.
This article aims to give designers some tips on how to maintain magnetism of a website while aiming on accessibility and users. One might not be able to get both in the same degree but it is a step forward for designers just starting out on the accessibility path.
Alternatives for different audiences
For those who know their Internet audiences well it is possible to avoid creating visual compromises and at the same time increase accessibility. While your regular Internet users may feel comfortable and relaxed with your site's visual layout the visually impaired or those with disabilities, may encounter difficulties.
Although the purpose of accessible web design is to make a universally usable copy of a website, sometimes it is impossible to do so due to client supplies, site profile or other objective reasons. In this case, it is good practice to give a basic accessible version of the site.
Basic web site version
A basic account of a website is 'stripped' of all visual elements that are not necessary. This comprises of mainly graphics but also different styles such as link colors, text color, background etc. One can obtain a basic accessible copy of their site by slowly removing all elements that are not directly part of the content. If the website works - that is, is completely usable - then that exact visual element was not completely necessary and removing it did not reduce the experience of using the web site.
When is a basic accessible version welcome?
If your website is using new technology like Flash, JavaScript or is simply graphic-heavy, it would be best to give on the homepage the option of an html only version for Flash and JavaScript sites or a low graphics version. Giving such versions is not only useful to disabled users but to those who, from different reasons (such as slow Internet connections or old browsers) cannot fully enjoy modern web sites.
Keep design attractiveness and increase accessibility
Those who do intend to make a universally accessible web site version for all their users can implement several changes to preserve visual charm for their users.
• Design a visually balanced layout. If you feel your website could do without a sure visual element then remove it. If you feel it adds to the design attractiveness confirm you implement it with care as to not disrupt the balance or take away from usability.
• Provide ALT and TITLE tags to all visual elements such as graphics. This allows disabled users to recover the message behind the graphics. Braille or speech based browsers use these tags in order to describe the visual message in the graphics.
• Try to implement liquid design where possible. This permits users to use their own browser or settings preferences while enjoying the design to the fullest.
• Do not make graphics only web sites. Try to stay away from single-images wet pages or use text within images. Disabled users or those who have their graphics turned off or those on slow connections will find it hard and boring to use.
• Keep in mind that a visually attractive layout can be achieved using a sensible and balanced mix of graphics and colors.
Testing visually stripped web sites
In order to test and experience what visually challenged people experience when using your web site; try to use it after you've turned off graphics. If you can still identify key layout elements like navigation and can find your way easily around it then so will your users. Disabling JavaScript might also make issues with navigation. Ensure that users who disable JavaScript can still jump from page to page to the preferred content.
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