What is a11y?

a11y is a short way of writing “accessibility.” The “a” is the first letter, the “y” is the last letter, and the 11 in the middle stands for the 11 letters that are omitted. It refers to designing digital products-websites, apps, software-so that people of all abilities, including those with disabilities, can use them easily.

Let's break it down

  • Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways that users can see, hear, or feel.
  • Operable: All functions should be usable with a keyboard, voice, or other assistive tools.
  • Understandable: Content and navigation need to be clear and predictable.
  • Robust: The product should work with current and future assistive technologies. These four principles are the core of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Why does it matter?

  • Inclusion: Over a billion people worldwide have some form of disability. Making things accessible lets them participate fully online.
  • Legal: Many countries have laws (e.g., ADA, EN 301 549) that require digital accessibility, and non‑compliance can lead to lawsuits.
  • Business: Accessible sites reach a larger audience, improve SEO, and often provide a better overall user experience.
  • Ethics: Building for everyone reflects a commitment to fairness and social responsibility.

Where is it used?

  • Websites: From blogs to e‑commerce stores, every site can implement alt text, proper headings, and keyboard navigation.
  • Mobile apps: iOS and Android offer built‑in accessibility APIs for screen readers, voice control, and more.
  • Software: Desktop applications, SaaS platforms, and even operating systems need accessible interfaces.
  • Digital documents: PDFs, PowerPoints, and Word files should include tags, captions, and readable structures.

Good things about it

  • Broader reach: More users can access your product, increasing traffic and potential customers.
  • Better usability: Features like clear navigation and readable text help all users, not just those with disabilities.
  • Future‑proofing: Following standards makes it easier to adapt to new devices and assistive technologies.
  • Positive brand image: Companies known for accessibility are seen as caring and socially responsible.

Not-so-good things

  • Initial effort: Adding accessibility features can require extra design, development, and testing time.
  • Learning curve: Teams may need training to understand guidelines and proper implementation.
  • Maintenance: Accessibility must be kept up‑to‑date as content changes, which adds ongoing work.
  • Potential trade‑offs: In rare cases, making a feature fully accessible may require redesigning parts of the UI, which can be challenging for tight deadlines.