As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, we want to recognize that people with autism are an increasing population entering the consumer market. It is important to keep individuals with autism in mind regarding accessibility considerations when we are building new and innovative web properties. Many of these considerations mirror those we already implement to benefit people with visual impairments. When used properly, these practices can also improve website useability for all.
Customizable font sizes and colors
Customizable font sizes and colors are essential for accessible design and can substantially benefit individuals with autism. Allowing users to adjust the font size, color, and background color can improve text legibility and reduce eye strain, making it easier for individuals with autism to understand the content. This customization option can also benefit those with visual impairments who need high-contrast color schemes or larger font sizes to read effectively. Implementing customizable font sizes and colors in simple and intuitive ways can enhance the user experience for all users, providing a more personalized and comfortable experience. Designers should ensure that the option to adjust font sizes and colors is easy to use and explained clearly, to ensure that all users can benefit from this feature.
Personalized navigation
Personalized navigation can significantly benefit individuals with autism who have difficulty navigating complex or cluttered interfaces. By providing customization options, like being able to rearrange menu items, users can create a navigation experience that works best for them. Personalized navigation not only benefits individuals with autism but also improves the overall accessibility for all users by allowing them to tailor the navigation to their needs, therefore creating a more user-friendly and accessible experience for everyone. Personalized navigation options, like being able to customize the layout of the navigation bar, allow individuals with different abilities, preferences, and needs to more easily find the information they are looking for, reducing frustration and improving their overall experience.
Clear headings and labels
Clear headings and labels are essential for accessible design, especially for individuals with autism. Clear and descriptive headings provide a clear structure to the content, making it easier to find information. Descriptive labels on interactive elements make their purpose and functionality easier to understand. To ensure headings and labels are easy to read, designers should use simple language, consistent font styles and sizes, and high-contrast color schemes. Clear headings and labels not only help individuals with autism but also improve accessibility for all users. They provide a clear structure and make the content easier to understand, leading to a more user-friendly and accessible experience.
Large touch targets
Large touch targets refer to larger buttons, links, and interactive elements on mobile devices that make it easier for individuals with autism to navigate and interact with a website or app. By providing more room for users to tap with their fingers, larger touch targets reduce the risk of miss-taps and improve accessibility. Additionally, larger touch targets improve visibility, making it easier for individuals with autism to find what they need. This feature benefits all users, not only people with autism, by providing a more user-friendly experience. To ensure a well-designed layout, large touch targets should balance accessibility and usability, improving the experience for individuals with autism without sacrificing functionality for other users. In short, large touch targets on mobile devices can improve accessibility, visibility, and the overall user experience for individuals with autism.
Simplified layouts
Simplified layouts are a design approach used to make information easier to understand for individuals with autism. They involve reducing distractions by using minimal graphics and text, creating a clear visual hierarchy, and utilizing design elements that are simple and straightforward. Simple, legible fonts, high-contrast colors, and an uncluttered layout are crucial in a simplified design. By focusing on these elements, designers can create visual aids that are less overwhelming and more accessible for individuals with autism. This approach benefits individuals with autism and those with other learning difficulties, making it a valuable consideration in design. In short, using simplified layouts can help individuals with autism comprehend and retain information more effectively.
Our digital team embraces accessibility as a core part of the design and development process and helps our clients ensure compliance across apps, websites, and other digital properties. To learn how we can help you achieve the same, contact us.