🌍 Designing for Inclusivity: How to Build Websites That Work for Everyone

"I wanted to apply for the role, but your site didn’t work with my screen reader."

That single message changed everything.

It wasn’t a technical bug. It was a human experience blocked by poor design.

The truth?
Many websites today unintentionally exclude millions of users—not by choice, but by oversight.

But that’s not acceptable anymore. In a world driven by digital interactions, inclusive design is no longer optional—it’s essential.

🧠 What Is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive design is the practice of creating digital experiences that work for everyone, regardless of ability, language, location, device, or context.

It’s about more than color contrast or alt text—it’s about empathy. It’s about thinking beyond “average users” and recognizing that diverse needs are the default, not the exception.

🌐 Why It Matters More Than Ever
Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability.

That’s:

1 in 6 people who may struggle with standard websites

Millions who rely on assistive tech like screen readers, screen magnifiers, or keyboard navigation

A massive group of potential users, customers, and collaborators who are often left out

And beyond that, inclusive design benefits everyone:

✅ Better SEO
✅ Improved mobile usability
✅ Enhanced user experience
✅ Future-proofing against legal risks (hello, ADA & WCAG compliance)
✅ Stronger brand trust

✅ 7 Actionable Tips to Design More Inclusive Websites
Here’s how you can start today—no matter your role in the project:

1. 📄 Use Semantic HTML Structure Headings should be headings. Buttons should be buttons. Links should be links.

Screen readers rely on proper HTML structure to understand and navigate content.

✨ Bonus: It also improves SEO by helping search engines crawl your site more efficiently.

1. 🎨 Prioritize Color Contrast Many users have low vision or color blindness. Poor contrast makes it difficult to read—even for users without visual impairments.

Use tools like:

WebAIM Contrast Checker

Color Safe

Aim for at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background.

1. 🖼️ Add Descriptive Alt Text to Images Alt text is essential for:

Screen reader users

People with slow internet (images may not load)

SEO performance

Be specific and helpful. Describe the image’s content and purpose—not just “image.”

1. ⌨️ Ensure Full Keyboard Navigation Some users cannot use a mouse. Every feature—from menus to modals—should be accessible via keyboard only (typically with the Tab key).

🔍 Test your site: Can you navigate, select, open, and close everything using just your keyboard?

1. 🗣️ Write Clear, Simple Language Accessibility includes cognitive accessibility—making content easy to understand.

Use:

Short paragraphs

Clear headings

Bulleted lists

Simple vocabulary

Avoid jargon, acronyms, and complex legal terms unless necessary—and if used, explain them.

1. 🧪 Test with Real Users and Tools Tools like:

VoiceOver (Mac/iOS)

NVDA or JAWS (Windows)

WAVE by WebAIM

axe DevTools (Chrome extension)

Even better? Test with people who use assistive technology every day. That’s where the real insights come from.

1. 🔁 Don’t Treat Accessibility as a “Phase” Inclusive design isn’t a checkbox at the end of your build—it’s a mindset woven into every step.

From the first wireframe to the final QA test, keep diverse user needs at the heart of your process.

💡 Real-World Example
When GOV.UK overhauled its website, it made accessibility a priority.

The result?

100% keyboard-accessible design

Clear language written at a reading level accessible to 80% of adults

Structured, mobile-friendly layouts

And their traffic? Skyrocketed.

People didn't just use it—they appreciated it.

💬 Your Turn: Build with Empathy
Inclusive design is about seeing people, not just users. It’s about opening the digital door for everyone, not just the majority.

The best products aren't just functional—they’re welcoming.

So ask yourself:

Can a blind user navigate your site?

Can someone with dyslexia read your content with ease?

Can an older adult complete your forms without frustration?

If not—it’s time to redesign.

📢 Join the Movement
Have you implemented inclusive features in your website?
What challenges—or wins—have you experienced?

Let’s grow together. Share your story or tag someone building for everyone.