Clear, Engaging and Accessible: E-commerce Design Tips
A comprehensive ecommerce website should embrace accessibility features to ensure all visitors can easily navigate and make purchases. Here's how to create an accessible online store:
Product Images and Presentation
Make images more accessible by:
- Adding sufficient spacing between products in the grid layout
- Increasing padding or adjusting column numbers to optimize image size
- Including descriptive alt text that specifies:
- Product color
- Text/design placement on products
- Key visual details
- Enabling image zoom functionality for detailed product inspection
Additional Product Information
Enhance product pages with:
- Package dimensions and weight
- Captioned product videos
- Text-based size charts (use services like Kiwi Sizing)
- Detailed product specifications
- Clear, concise descriptions
Navigation and Checkout
Improve interactive elements by:
- Styling call-to-action buttons for better visibility
- Adding borders and proper contrast to shopping cart icons
- Enabling express checkout options where appropriate
- Making buttons easily identifiable and clickable
- Using clear, action-oriented button text
Audio and Language Considerations
Make content more accessible through:
- Adding transcripts for audio content
- Using clear, straightforward product descriptions
- Avoiding complex jargon
- Providing alternative text formats where needed
The key is creating a seamless shopping experience that works for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Regular testing and updates ensure continued accessibility compliance and improved user experience.
For express checkout situations, emphasize the "Buy" button styling while maintaining accessibility standards. Remember to regularly review and update accessibility features as your store grows and changes.