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Storefront Accessibility

Storefront Accessibility ​

Creating an accessible storefront ensures that all users can navigate, interact with, and benefit from your site. Accessibility is not only a best practice but a legal and ethical responsibility that contributes to a more inclusive web.

This checklist outlines the key principles and technical requirements for building accessible web interfaces, with a focus on semantic structure, keyboard usability, screen reader compatibility, and inclusive design practices.

Storefront Accessibility Checklist: Best Practices for Inclusive Web Design ​

Use Semantic HTML ​

Leverage native HTML elements that communicate their purpose effectively:

  • Use appropriate tags for actions: <button>, <a>, <select> instead of <div> or <span>.
  • Structure your layout with semantic elements: <nav>, <main>, <header>, <footer>.
  • Always pair <label> elements with form controls using for and id. Avoid relying solely on placeholder text for labeling.

Set the Correct Document Language ​

Proper language settings help screen readers use accurate pronunciation and intonation:

  • Add lang="en" (or the appropriate language code) to the <html> tag.

Ensure Accessible Forms ​

All form fields must be clearly labeled and error states must be identifiable:

  • Use <label for="input-id">, aria-label, or aria-labelledby.
  • Provide error messages that are clear and easy to locate.
  • Don’t rely solely on color (e.g., red) to indicate errors. You can use icons or text additionally.
  • Use aria-describedby to connect input fields to help or error messages.

Manage Focus ​

Ensure users know where they are and can move through the interface logically:

  • Use tabindex="0" for custom interactive elements. Try to not mess around with the tabindex if possible and keep the "natural" tab flow.
  • Do not remove focus outlines unless replaced with a clear visible alternative.
  • Use focus() to direct user attention (e.g. after form errors or modal open).
  • Each interactive element that can be clicked or navigated by keyboard (<a>, <button> etc.) must have a clearly visible focus indication.

Keyboard Accessibility ​

Users should be able to navigate and interact with all features using only the keyboard:

  • Ensure Enter and Space activate interactive elements.
  • Avoid using onclick on non-focusable elements without keyboard support.
  • Custom widgets must respond to arrow keys and expected keyboard patterns.

Use ARIA Carefully ​

Use ARIA roles and attributes only when native HTML doesn’t work.

  • Use role="alert" for live error messaging.
  • Apply aria-expanded, aria-controls, and aria-hidden for toggleable UI elements.
  • Prefer native HTML elements over ARIA whenever possible to reduce complexity.

Provide Live Region Updates ​

Ensure real-time changes are accessible:

  • Use aria-live="polite" or aria-live="assertive" for real-time updates (e.g. validation messages, chat widgets).

Manage Page Titles and Headings ​

Headings and titles provide structure and orientation. It helps users understand page structure:

  • Always update the <title> tag on page load or route change.
  • Use one <h1> per page, followed by correct heading hierarchy (<h2>, <h3>, etc.).

Help keyboard users skip repetitive content:

  • Include a skip link at the top of the page:

    html
    <a href="#main-content" class="skip-link">Skip to main content</a>

Control Focus When Using Modals or Popovers ​

Focus should remain within the modal and return to the trigger element after closing:

  • Trap focus while the modal is open.
  • Return focus to the initiating element once it is closed.

Avoid Auto-Playing Audio or Video ​

If unavoidable, make sure users can easily pause or stop it:

  • Provide controls on <video> or <audio> elements.
  • Avoid autoplay unless muted and non-disruptive.

Ensure Unique IDs and ARIA Attributes ​

Avoid duplicated IDs to maintain screen reader reliability:

  • Validate that id attributes are unique.
  • Ensure any referenced IDs in aria-labelledby or aria-describedby exist and are not duplicated.

Test with Assistive Technologies ​

Test your site with real-world tools and scenarios:

  • Use screen readers like NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS).
  • Navigate with only the keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space).
  • Leverage browser dev tools (Chrome DevTools > Accessibility, Axe Core).

Conclusion ​

Following this checklist will help ensure your storefront is usable by everyone, regardless of ability. It also improves SEO, performance, and user satisfaction for all visitors.

Regularly audit your code, test with assistive technologies, and stay updated with evolving accessibility standards. Inclusive design is good design.

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