Where to get started
(Bookmark this list – it’s a living document!)
OK so you’re on board with inclusive design – but where do you start? It can be overwhelming, especially when you realise how much there is to learn. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are some brilliant resources out there to help you design and build better, more accessible products.
Here’s a selection of must-know guides, tools, and communities:
The basics
- Microsoft Inclusive Design Toolkit – One of the best introductions to inclusive design principles, with hands-on exercises.
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – The gold standard for making websites accessible. A bit dry, but essential.
- Inclusive Design Toolkit (University of Cambridge) – Brilliant breakdowns of how to design for a range of different needs.
Tools for design
- Colour Contrast Checkers – To make sure your text is readable for everyone. Try WebAIM’s contrast checker or Contrast Ratio.
- Colour scheme – This resource on Learn UI design allows you to find an accessible variation of a chosen colour.
Tools for testing your code
- Accessibility Testing Plugins – Install something like axe DevTools in your browser to quickly check for common accessibility issues.
- Screen Readers – Try using one to experience your site/app the way a blind user might. NVDA (Windows) and VoiceOver (Mac) are good starting points.
Communities & Learning spaces
- Champions of Accessibility Network (CAN) – A LinkedIn community of accessibility experts.
- The A11Y Project – A community-driven effort to make digital accessibility easier to understand.