Accessible by Default: Engineering Websites for Keyboard, Contrast & Screen Readers
Learn how semantic HTML, keyboard navigation, visible focus states, colour contrast, and ARIA discipline make websites usable for everyone.
When accessibility is treated as an afterthought, interfaces end up with low-contrast text, custom dropdowns that cannot be operated with a keyboard, and icon buttons with no accessible names.
1. Use Native Semantic HTML Elements First
Use real <button>, <a>, <nav>, <main>, <header>, and <label> elements rather than generic <div> tags. Native elements provide built-in keyboard handling and screen-reader announcements automatically.
2. Maintain Strong Colour Contrast in Dark and Light Themes
- Aim for at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for body text and 3:1 for large display headings and interactive boundaries.
- Never rely on colour alone to communicate form errors or status changes—pair colour with clear text or icons.
3. Preserve Visible Keyboard Focus Indicators
Every interactive link, tab, modal, and form control must be reachable via the Tab key with a clear, high-visibility focus ring.
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