Readability & Legibility
Readability and legibility are crucial aspects of design, especially in the context of web and user interface design. These considerations become even more critical for users with disabilities, as they can significantly impact the overall user experience. Here are some key points related to readability and legibility for users with disabilities:Font Size and Scaling
Text should be presented in a readable font size, and it should scale properly when users need to enlarge it. This is particularly important for individuals with visual impairments who may rely on screen magnifiers or other assistive technologies to read content.
In Ektron, allow the system fonts to handle the font size and scaling by using Paste as Plain Text.
Avoid Using all Caps
Readability is reduced with all caps because all words have a uniform rectangular shape, meaning readers can't identify words by their shape. All caps can make it especially challenging for users with cognitive disabilities.Don't Underline Text
Avoid underlining text that isn't a link as many users see an underline and try to click on it thinking it is a link. Reserve underlining for identifying links.
In Ektron, the system programmatically adds an underline to all links so users do not and should not manually add them. The underline button in Ektron creates a deprecated tag and should not be used.
Contrast Ratio
Ensure a sufficient contrast ratio between text and background colors. High contrast is vital for users with low vision or color blindness. Guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide specific recommendations for contrast ratios.Readable Fonts
Choose clear and legible fonts. Avoid overly decorative or complex fonts that may be difficult to read, especially for users with dyslexia or other reading disabilities. Sans-serif fonts are often recommended for online content due to their simplicity.
In Ektron, allow the system fonts to handle the font type by using Paste as Plain Text.
Text Alignment and Justification
Left-aligned text is generally easier to read than centered or justified text.
Center-aligned text should only be used for headings or short phrases. Center-aligned text should not be used for entire sentences or paragraphs as it is harder to read, making it more challenging for users with certain cognitive or visual impairments.
Justified text can create uneven spacing between words, making it more challenging for users with certain cognitive or visual impairments.
Alternative Text for Images
Include descriptive alternative text for images. This benefits users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to understand the content of images.Consistent Navigation
Maintain a consistent and logical navigation structure throughout the website or application. Predictable navigation helps users with cognitive disabilities or those using screen readers to easily locate and understand content.Consistent Headings
Maintain consistent heading structure throughout the website or application. Predictable heading structure (size, color, alignment, etc.) helps all users including those with cognitive disabilities or those using screen readers to easily locate content.