FAQs
Is dyslexia an accessibility issue?
Yes, dyslexia is considered to be a cognitive disability. The British Dyslexia Association states that approximately 10% of the population are believed to be dyslexic. People with dyslexia may find it harder to process written content, so using plain language, clear headings, and a logical structure helps remove barriers and makes content easier to read and understand.
What design principles contribute to enhancing cognitive accessibility in user interfaces?
To ensure you are designing with cognitive accessibility in mind, you should follow these key principles:
Use clear and simple language
Offer multiple modes of interaction
Provide logical structure and navigation
Give immediate feedback on user actions
Break information down into smaller chunks
Maintain consistency across layouts, icons, and interactions
How does cognitive accessibility differ from visual or auditory accessibility?
Cognitive accessibility primarily focuses on how people process, understand, and remember information, while visual and auditory accessibility address barriers related to sight or hearing.
Auditory accessibility helps those who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing captions, transcripts, and visual indicators.
Visual accessibility supports users with conditions such as blindness or low vision through features like screen reader compatibility, landmarks in code, alt text, and high-contrast design.
Finally, cognitive accessibility supports users with conditions like dyslexia, memory impairments, and ADHD by reducing complexity and offering multiple ways to engage with content.