Accessibility Considerations in Figma

Key Concepts

• Color Contrast
• Alt Text for Images
• Keyboard Navigation
• Screen Reader Compatibility
• Semantic Markup
• Accessible Forms
• Inclusive Design

Color Contrast

Color Contrast refers to the difference in luminance between text and its background. Ensuring high color contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments, as it makes text more readable. In Figma, you can use the "Inspect" panel to check the contrast ratio of text elements against their backgrounds. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Think of color contrast as the difference between night and day. Just as you can easily see objects during the day, high color contrast ensures that text is easily visible to all users.

Alt Text for Images

Alt Text (Alternative Text) is a description of an image that is read aloud by screen readers. It provides context and information to users who cannot see the image. In Figma, you can add alt text to images by selecting the image and entering the description in the "Alt Text" field in the right-hand panel. This ensures that all users, including those with visual impairments, can understand the content of the image.

Consider alt text as a voiceover for images. Just as a voiceover explains what is happening in a video, alt text explains the content of an image to users who cannot see it.

Keyboard Navigation

Keyboard Navigation ensures that all interactive elements in a design can be accessed and operated using a keyboard. This is essential for users who cannot use a mouse. In Figma, you can test keyboard navigation by using the Tab key to move between interactive elements and the Enter or Space keys to activate them. Ensure that all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, are reachable and operable via keyboard.

Think of keyboard navigation as a remote control for your design. Just as a remote control allows you to navigate a TV menu, keyboard navigation allows users to interact with your design without a mouse.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Screen Reader Compatibility ensures that your design can be fully understood and navigated by screen readers, which are tools that read aloud the content of a webpage. In Figma, you can use the "Inspect" panel to add ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels and roles to elements, making them compatible with screen readers. This ensures that all users, including those with visual impairments, can access and understand your design.

Consider screen reader compatibility as a translation service for your design. Just as a translation service converts text into different languages, screen readers convert visual content into audio for users who cannot see it.

Semantic Markup

Semantic Markup refers to the use of HTML elements that convey the meaning of their content to both the browser and assistive technologies. In Figma, you can use components and layers with meaningful names to represent semantic elements. For example, use a "Header" component for the top section of a page and a "Footer" component for the bottom section. This helps screen readers and other assistive technologies understand the structure of your design.

Think of semantic markup as a blueprint for your design. Just as a blueprint outlines the structure of a building, semantic markup outlines the structure of your design for assistive technologies.

Accessible Forms

Accessible Forms ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can easily fill out and submit forms. In Figma, you can design forms with clear labels, descriptive error messages, and logical tab order. Use the "Inspect" panel to add ARIA labels and roles to form elements, making them accessible to screen readers. Ensure that form fields are properly grouped and labeled, and that error messages are descriptive and easy to understand.

Consider accessible forms as a user-friendly interface for data entry. Just as a user-friendly interface makes it easy to input data, accessible forms make it easy for all users to fill out and submit information.

Inclusive Design

Inclusive Design involves creating designs that are accessible to and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. In Figma, you can practice inclusive design by considering the needs of all users throughout the design process. This includes designing for different screen sizes, input methods, and accessibility requirements. Use tools like the "Inspect" panel to check for accessibility issues and make adjustments as needed.

Think of inclusive design as a universal remote control. Just as a universal remote control works with multiple devices, inclusive design works for multiple users, regardless of their abilities.