5 Accessibility Considerations in Figma
Key Concepts
- Color Contrast
- Alt Text for Images
- Keyboard Navigation
- Screen Reader Compatibility
- Semantic Structure
1. Color Contrast
Color contrast refers to the difference in luminance between the foreground and background colors. Adequate color contrast ensures that text and interactive elements are easily readable for users with visual impairments. In Figma, you can use the Contrast Checker tool to verify that your color choices meet accessibility standards.
Imagine color contrast as the difference between light and dark in a photograph. Just as high contrast brings out details in a photo, high color contrast makes text and elements stand out on a webpage, ensuring they are visible to all users.
2. Alt Text for Images
Alt text (alternative text) is descriptive text that is added to images to provide context for users who cannot see the images. In Figma, you can add alt text to images directly within the design tool. This ensures that screen readers can describe the images to visually impaired users, making the content accessible.
Think of alt text as a caption for a photograph. Just as a caption provides information about the photo, alt text provides information about the image, ensuring that all users can understand the content.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Keyboard navigation refers to the ability to navigate and interact with a website using only the keyboard. In Figma, you can design components and layouts that are easily navigable using keyboard shortcuts. This ensures that users with motor impairments can access all parts of the website.
Imagine keyboard navigation as a remote control for a TV. Just as a remote control allows you to navigate channels without using your hands, keyboard navigation allows users to navigate a website without using a mouse.
4. Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen reader compatibility ensures that a website can be read aloud by screen reader software. In Figma, you can use semantic elements and proper labeling to make your designs compatible with screen readers. This ensures that visually impaired users can access the content.
Think of screen reader compatibility as a book with audio narration. Just as audio narration allows visually impaired readers to enjoy a book, screen readers allow visually impaired users to access website content.
5. Semantic Structure
Semantic structure refers to the use of HTML elements that convey the meaning of the content. In Figma, you can design layouts that follow a logical structure, making it easier for screen readers and other assistive technologies to interpret the content. This ensures that all users can understand the hierarchy and organization of the information.
Imagine semantic structure as a well-organized filing system. Just as a filing system helps you find documents quickly, a semantic structure helps users and assistive technologies understand the content quickly and efficiently.