Accessibility Testing
Part of the UI/UX Design Roadmap
In short
Designing for accessibility is one thing. Checking that it actually works with a screen reader, a keyboard or low vision is another. Testing is where good intentions meet reality.
Actively verifying a design works for people with disabilities — screen reader testing, keyboard-only navigation, and color contrast checks — going beyond just following guidelines on paper.
Think of it like this
Checking the ramp, not just drawing it
An architect draws a wheelchair ramp. But someone has to roll a wheelchair up it to know if the slope is too steep or the door at the top is too narrow. Accessibility testing is that test roll.
Watch it happen
Layers of accessibility testing
1/5Run an automated tool like Lighthouse or axe. It catches some issues fast, like missing alt text or labels.
The big ideas
What you need to know
Automation is a start
Automated scans miss many problems, like confusing order or bad alt text. Always add manual checks.
Follow the focus
While tabbing, the focus ring should always be visible and move in a logical reading order.
Listen to your design
A screen reader reads what's in the code. 'Button, button, image' means labels are missing.
Zoom to 200%
Enlarge text and the page. Nothing important should get cut off or overlap.
Save yourself the pain
Common mistakes
Oops
Getting a perfect Lighthouse score and calling the site accessible.
Do this instead
A score only covers what tools can detect. Do keyboard and screen reader checks too.
Oops
Testing accessibility only right before launch.
Do this instead
Check contrast and labels in Figma, then test builds regularly. Late fixes cost much more.
Your mission
Your first screen reader test
Quick check
An automated scan shows zero errors. What should you do next?
Go deeper
- 1Test a design using a screen reader to experience how it's actually announced.
- 2Navigate a flow using only a keyboard and note any inaccessible elements.
- 3Learn to use a free contrast checker on every text/background color pairing in a design.
More topics at this stop
Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics
Cognitive Load & Hick's Law
Fitts's Law
Usability Testing Methods
Heuristic Evaluation Process
A/B Testing for Design
Design Critique Skills
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