According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people live with a disability. That’s around 1.3 billion people around the world and many among them have access to the internet one way or the other. So, for millions of potential customers, shopping online is only enjoyable when websites and apps are accessible.
Accessibility in e-commerce isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an opportunity. It opens up your site or app to a broader audience and creates an inclusive shopping experience. So, what exactly does accessibility mean for e-commerce, and why is it more relevant now than ever?
Let’s look at how accessible design can benefit businesses and customers alike—and some practical steps to help you get it right.
Why is Accessibility Essential in E-commerce
A reserved parking spot and a ramp can make a brick-and-mortar store accessible. Now, how do you add such disability-friendly features to a digital store?
With over 15% of the global population living with some form of disability, it is likely that at least some of your potential customers need a little more than regular design to enjoy their time on your e-commerce store. Their needs are varied. It could be visual impairment, mobility limitations, or cognitive challenges.
A design that fails to consider these needs could miss out on potential sales. For example, consider a visually impaired user. They may be using a screen reader to browse websites. If your e-commerce site has poor navigation with unlabelled images, the user will find it difficult to understand the products. This is where accessibility principles help. Screen readers can easily interpret well-structured text and descriptive tags on images.
There’s one more advantage. Accessible design also improves SEO (search engine optimization). This helps websites rank better with clear, structured content that Google’s algorithms interpret faster. So, prioritizing accessibility not only broadens your audience; it can boost visibility online.
Now, let’s learn more about the specific role that accessibility plays in e-commerce UI/UX design and how to get it right:
The Three Pillars of Accessibility
Accessibility in e-commerce is built on three key pillars:
Inclusivity: All users, regardless of their abilities, can navigate and use the website or app. It’s a commitment to fair access for everyone.
Usability: Design that meets accessibility standards is easier to use, for everyone. It creates a smoother, faster shopping experience for all.
Compliance: Standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) help avoid legal challenges while boosting customer loyalty.
The WCAG Principles: POUR
The WCAG guidelines are the “how-to” for accessible web design, summarized with four principles known as POUR:
Perceivable: Content must be presentable to all senses. This means using alternative text for images and making content accessible through screen readers.
Operable: Users must be able to interact with the site via different input methods, such as a keyboard-only setup.
Understandable: Information should be clear and predictable. Avoid complex language and highly complicated layouts to avoid confusion.
Robust: The website should work across a variety of browsers, devices, and assistive tools
Four Types of Accessibility in E-commerce
Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are four main types to consider:
Visual: For users with visual impairments, designs should include high-contrast colors, scalable fonts, and descriptive alt text for images.
Auditory: Captions for videos and audio descriptions help users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Motor: Navigation should be doable without a mouse. Think keyboard shortcuts and button navigation that don’t require precise clicking.
Cognitive: Simplicity is key—use clear, consistent layouts and concise language for users who may have cognitive disabilities.
Each type meets different needs. But, together, they create a universally accessible shopping environment that benefits everyone.
If an e-commerce site followed the above guidelines and principles, a user with limited vision could navigate a simple, straightforward interface easily, and someone with cognitive difficulties would benefit from clear instructions. Any website incorporating POUR principles is ready to handle the broad spectrum of user needs.
Tips to Boost E-commerce Accessibility
When accessibility is ignored, shopping online becomes frustrating for people with disabilities. Here are the solutions to typical accessibility problems in UX:
- Adding descriptive text to images allows screen readers to describe visuals to users.
- Use simple menus and consistent layouts to help users find what they need quickly.
- Use high-contrast font colors to make text stand out from the background.
- A site fully navigable using only a keyboard helps avoid mouse-based navigation.
Accessibility Testing and Maintenance
Creating an accessible website is a start, but regular testing is key.
Accessibility tools like WAVE and Axe help identify issues like missing alt text, unlabelled form fields, and keyboard accessibility problems. However, manual testing—where users with disabilities interact with the site—often reveals issues that automated tools miss.
Regular audits and updates are also essential, as new content or features can accidentally introduce barriers. A strong accessibility plan includes frequent checks and updates to keep the site usable for everyone as web standards evolve.
When to Call in the Experts
Accessibility can be complex. Not all e-commerce businesses may have the in-house skills to address every aspect effectively. A specialized UI UX design agency is the best way forward in this case.
With expertise in accessibility guidelines and user-centered design, these professionals can optimize your site to create an inclusive shopping experience. They’ll ensure the right balance between attractive design and functionality for all users.
By prioritizing accessibility, e-commerce businesses can open their doors to more customers, improve user satisfaction, and comply with legal standards.
An accessible website isn’t just a legal box to check. It’s an opportunity to reach new audiences and show a commitment to inclusivity. For business owners and designers alike, focusing on accessibility is a win-win that contributes to a fairer, more usable web.
