What are accessible design patterns?

Accessible design patterns refer to techniques that are specifically effective for individuals with disabilities. These patterns ensure that digital content is usable and navigable, regardless of the user's abilities or disabilities. They include strategies and solutions that enhance the accessibility of websites and applications, making them more inclusive.

For example, accessible design patterns might involve using proper semantic HTML elements, providing alternative text for images, ensuring that color contrast meets minimum standards, and creating keyboard-navigable interfaces. These patterns not only improve usability for people who rely on assistive technologies but also enhance the overall user experience for everyone.

In contrast, trends in web aesthetics, standard coding practices, and frameworks for website layout do not specifically address the needs of users with disabilities. While these aspects can contribute to a broader understanding of web development, they do not focus on the techniques that ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all users.