How do you make your HTML validation accessible and user-friendly for all users?

1 Use semantic HTML elements

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your HTML validation accessible is to use semantic HTML elements that convey the meaning and purpose of your form fields. For example, use <label> to associate a text label with an input, use <fieldset> and <legend> to group related inputs, and use <input type="email"> or <input type="number"> to indicate the expected data type. Semantic HTML elements help screen readers, keyboards, and other assistive technologies to understand and navigate your form.

2 Provide clear and concise feedback

Another key aspect of HTML validation is to provide clear and concise feedback to the user when they enter or submit data. You can use HTML attributes such as required, pattern, min, max, and minlength to specify the rules and constraints for your inputs. You can also use the <output> element to display the result of a calculation or a validation message. However, you should also use CSS and JavaScript to enhance the visual and interactive feedback of your validation. For example, you can use colors, icons, borders, and animations to indicate the validity state of your inputs, and you can use the Constraint Validation API to customize the error messages and the behavior of your form.

3 Support multiple modes of interaction

Different users may prefer or need different modes of interaction with your HTML validation. Some may use a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, a voice command, or a combination of these. To make your HTML validation user-friendly for all users, you should support multiple modes of interaction and avoid relying on a single one. For example, you should ensure that your form elements are focusable and tabbable, that your buttons and links have clear and descriptive text, that your feedback is visible and audible, and that your form can be submitted with the Enter key or a click.

4 Test and evaluate your HTML validation

The final step to make your HTML validation accessible and user-friendly is to test and evaluate it with different users, devices, browsers, and assistive technologies. You can use tools such as the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE), the Accessibility Insights for Web, or the Chrome DevTools to check for common accessibility issues and errors. You can also use tools such as the HTML5 Validator, the Nu Html Checker, or the HTML Tidy Online to check for HTML syntax and validity. However, you should also involve real users with diverse abilities and backgrounds to get feedback on the usability and functionality of your HTML validation.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?