The Accessibility Checklist

Ensuring Your Content Reaches Everyone...

Hey Besties??,

Let’s get real for a second.

Accessibility. It’s a word we hear often, but do we really know what it means when it comes to content design? If I’ve learned one thing in my career, it’s that “Accessibiliity”? is not just a box you check off. It’s a mindset. It’s a commitment to make sure your work reaches everyone, no matter their abilities.?

When I first got into content design, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of designing for accessibility. I focused on the basics—clarity, simplicity, and getting the message across. But the deeper I got into the UX world, the more I realized how much I had missed. Designing content isn’t just about making things look and sound good—it’s about making sure every user, from the highly tech-savvy to those using assistive technology, can use and understand what you’re putting out there.

Content designers and UX writers are at the front lines of creating accessible experiences. Every headline, every button label, every tooltip—it all matters.

Why Accessibility Matters in Content Design??

So why am I telling you this? Because content designers and UX writers are at the front lines of creating accessible experiences. Every headline, every button label, every tooltip—it all matters.

Accessibility isn’t just about following guidelines; it’s about listening to real people’s needs and making sure they’re not left out of the conversation. And that’s where empathy comes in. We’ve talked about empathy before in this newsletter, and accessibility is just another layer of that.?

The Accessibility Checklist (From a Content Designer’s Perspective)??

I’m not going to bombard you with jargon or a laundry list of rules. Instead, let’s make this practical and personal. Here are a few things I always keep in mind:??

1. Write Clear, Concise Copy??

???Don’t make people work harder than they have to. Keep things simple, especially for users who might rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies.??

2. Use Descriptive Alt Text??

???When you’re adding images, think about why they’re there. A good alt text isn’t just “a person smiling” but something more like “A person smiling while using the product on their smartphone.” It gives context, not just description.??

3. Check Your Color Contrast??

???This one is big. You may love that soft pastel background, but if the text on top isn’t readable to everyone, it’s not worth it. Tools like WebAIM’s color contrast checker are lifesavers.??

4. Provide Keyboard Navigation??

???Not every user will be using a mouse. Make sure your content is navigable using just the keyboard. This is often overlooked but so important.??

5. Test for Real-World Usability??

???This step is crucial. All the planning in the world won’t help if you don’t test. Get your content in front of people who use assistive technologies and see how they interact with it.??

Empathy Maps: A Must-Have Tool for Accessibility??

One thing that really shifted my perspective was using empathy maps.

Empathy maps help us understand users’ behaviors, attitudes, and needs, especially when we can’t personally relate to their experiences. What are they thinking, feeling, seeing, and doing when they interact with your content? When you put yourself in the user’s shoes—especially users with different needs—you design more thoughtfully.??

Empathy maps aren’t just for visualizing personas; they help you step out of your own mindset and into someone else’s. It’s a reminder that not everyone experiences your product the way you do—and that’s a good thing to remember as we design content that works for all.??

In my journey as a content designer, accessibility has become more than a technical requirement—it’s a responsibility. So if you’re reading this and wondering, “Where do I start?”— send me a message so I can help you get started!

Together, we can ensure that your product truly reaches everyone whether as a business or an individual looking to learn and grow in content design/ux writing!

Phew! Till I write to you again, Bestie??

Love and Light??

Precious( The Content Design Chief)