Hey there! 👋 It’s great to see you here, and let’s dive right into the topic that is very important for all of us. Accessibility in form design is something that has been ignored for a long time, but its significance cannot be overlooked. It is imperative that we create forms that are easy to use, accessible and inclusive for everyone. In this blog post, we will look into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of designing accessible forms. So let’s get started! 🚀

Why is accessibility important in form design?

Accessibility means that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can use a product or service. In the context of form design, it means that every individual can complete a form, no matter their abilities. Forms are an essential part of our daily lives, from job applications to online purchases, and thus should be designed to be inclusive for all. Here are some reasons why accessibility is crucial in form design:

💡 Equal access to information: For people with disabilities, accessing information can be challenging. By designing accessible forms, people with disabilities are provided with equal access to the information we provide.

💡 Legal obligations: Many countries have legal requirements that mandate online accessibility. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that digital communication is accessible to disabled people.

💡 Better user experience: Accessible forms are not only good for people with disabilities, but also for everyone else. Forms that are easy to use, navigate, and understand are appreciated by all users, making the user experience better.

A group of diverse people using their devices in an accessible environment.

How to design accessible forms

Designing an accessible form should be a top priority for any organization. It requires an understanding of the needs of all users and some tools to ensure that the forms are accessible. Here are some tips on how to design accessible forms:

💡 Use clear and concise language: Use language that is simple and easy to understand, avoiding jargon, acronyms, or complex sentence structures. This will help those with cognitive disabilities understand the form better.

💡 Provide multiple ways to complete the form: People with disabilities may have different ways of completing a form. Providing alternate ways to complete a form, such as voice input or an assistive device, can make it accessible for everyone.

💡 Make sure the form is keyboard-friendly: Many people with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation to complete forms. Ensure that your forms are designed for keyboard navigation and that all interactive elements can be accessed without the use of a mouse.

💡 Provide clear and visible instructions: Ensure that your instructions are visible and easy to follow. Use images, videos, or even tooltips to explain the steps involved in completing a form.

A person using a keyboard to navigate a form

Testing for Accessibility

Testing is an essential part of ensuring that your form is accessible to everyone. Here are some tools you can use to test accessibility:

💡 WAVE: WAVE is an online tool designed to help you identify accessibility issues on your website. It provides detailed reports on accessibility issues, including suggestions on how to fix them.

💡 Chrome Accessibility Developer Tools: A plugin for Chrome that provides information about accessibility issues, including contrast, focus, and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes.

💡 Manual Testing: It is essential to test your form manually as well. Conduct user testing with a variety of people, including those with disabilities, to ensure that your form is accessible to everyone.

A team of designers building an inclusive and accessible form

Conclusion

Designing an accessible form is not an option but a requirement for modern digital services. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone can access information and services, including people with disabilities. By following the tips and tools mentioned in this blog post, you can design accessible forms that are inclusive for all. Let’s work together to make our forms accessible and create a better web for everyone! 🤗

A group of people with disabilities using technology