Which access needs should a website design account for?

Website design needs to support people using a mouse, touch or keyboard, alongside people using screen readers to access information. Consider slow internet connections and different devices rather than assuming everyone browses under the same conditions. Sufficient text contrast, meaningful alternative text and image captions belong in design decisions from the outset.

For IBM's "This is IBM" page, celebrating its work in the UK and Ireland, a developer was involved from the beginning. That involvement helped establish what was practical to implement while prioritising inclusion through colour, contrast, device display and input methods. Bring designers and developers together early so creative decisions account for access requirements.

WebAIM's 2026 automated analysis of leading website home pages globally found low-contrast text on 83.9% of home pages and missing image alternatives on 53.1%.

Access needs can arise temporarily because of language, surroundings or competing demands on attention. Someone reading in a non-native language may need longer to understand content, making an auto-rotating carousel difficult to follow. Allow enough reading time rather than assuming every visitor can absorb information at the same speed.

Bright sunlight can make smartphone content harder to see, so sufficient contrast matters outside controlled viewing conditions. Travelling can also expose visitors to distractions that reduce their ability to concentrate. Keep mobile experiences easy to use when attention is divided. Account for reading pace, visibility and concentration alongside permanent disabilities when making decisions about content timing and interface design.