What are the best practices for making your navigation system accessible to users with disabilities?

1 Use clear and consistent labels

One of the most important aspects of an accessible navigation system is the use of clear and consistent labels for your links, buttons, menus, and other elements. Labels should describe the destination or function of the element, using simple and familiar words that match the user's expectations. Avoid using ambiguous or generic terms, such as "click here", "more", or "read more". Also, make sure that your labels are consistent across your website or app, so that users do not get confused by different names for the same thing.

2 Provide multiple ways to navigate

Another best practice for making your navigation system accessible is to provide multiple ways for users to find what they need, depending on their preferences and abilities. For example, you can offer a search function, a site map, a breadcrumb trail, a skip link, or a keyboard shortcut. These options allow users to navigate your website or app without relying on a single method, such as a mouse or a screen reader. Moreover, they can help users orient themselves, avoid unnecessary steps, and reach their goals faster.

3 Use semantic and structural markup

A third best practice for making your navigation system accessible is to use semantic and structural markup for your code. Semantic markup means using HTML elements that convey the meaning and role of the content, such as <nav> for navigation, <ul> for lists, or <a> for links. Structural markup means using HTML elements that organize the content into logical sections, such as <header>, <main>, or <footer>. These markup techniques help users with disabilities understand and navigate your website or app, especially if they use assistive technologies, such as screen readers or voice commands.

4 Design for different screen sizes and orientations

A fourth best practice for making your navigation system accessible is to design for different screen sizes and orientations, such as mobile phones, tablets, or desktops. You should ensure that your navigation system adapts to the available space and does not obscure or interfere with the content. You should also consider how users can switch between portrait and landscape modes, and how that affects the layout and functionality of your navigation system. For example, you can use responsive design, media queries, or flexbox to create flexible and fluid navigation systems that work well on different devices.

6 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?