Stage 9 · Core · Intermediate
Accessibility and inclusive design
Design products that work for disabled people and, as a result, for everyone.
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About this stage
Accessibility is part of quality, not an extra. This stage covers how disabled people use technology, what WCAG asks for, and the practical design decisions that make interfaces usable with keyboards, screen readers, magnification and cognitive support.
Passing an automated checker is not the same as being accessible. You will learn what automated tools can and cannot detect.
Before this stage Stage 1: Visual design fundamentals, Stage 7: Interaction design and prototyping
Learning outcomes
- Explain WCAG principles and conformance levels accurately.
- Design for keyboard, screen reader, zoom and motor accessibility.
- Write accessible form labels, errors, instructions and alternative text.
- Test with tools and manual checks, and know the limits of automated testing.
Lessons
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Disability models and inclusive design
Permanent, temporary and situational disability.
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WCAG concepts and conformance levels
POUR, success criteria and A, AA, AAA.
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Contrast and colour-independent communication
Never relying on colour alone.
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Keyboard navigation and focus management
Focus order, visible focus and traps.
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Screen readers and semantic structure
Headings, landmarks and accessible names.
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Accessible forms, errors, labels and instructions
Forms everyone can complete.
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Target size and motor accessibility
Targets, spacing and alternatives to gestures.
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Cognitive accessibility and plain language
Reducing memory load and confusion.
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Captions and alternative text
Describing images and media.
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Responsive zoom and reflow
Designing for 400% zoom and large text.
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Accessibility testing tools
Checkers, screen readers and manual review.
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Common accessibility failures and how to fix them
The problems that appear on almost every site.