To ensure that digital products are inclusive and accessible to all users, our team recently conducted an Accessibility Annotation Workshop. This initiative aimed to strengthen designers’ understanding of accessibility principles and integrate inclusive practices into the design process from the ground up.
https://embed.figma.com/design/bn3QDEcn9CvwAMo7lRm4Pg/A11y-Annotation-Library?node-id=2286-8528&t=FjoIbdiHWkK5pWEe-0&embed-host=notion&footer=false&theme=system
Link to 03/2024 Workshop: ‣
Guiding Principles Used in the Design Audit
During the workshop, we focused on key accessibility principles that guide usable and compliant design:
- Semantic Headings: We emphasized using proper heading hierarchy (H1–H6) to structure content logically and improve screen reader navigation.
- Button vs. Links: We clarified when to use buttons for actions and links for navigation, ensuring consistency and clarity for assistive technologies.
- Creating Alt Text for Icons and Images: Designers learned to craft meaningful alternative text that conveys purpose and context, not just description.
- Forms, Labels, and Autocomplete: Properly labeled input fields and autocomplete attributes were reviewed to enhance usability and reduce cognitive load for users.
Review Process
The workshop was structured around a hands-on review and collaboration process:
- Review Existing Wireflows: Design leads submitted their current wireflows, which served as the foundation for the accessibility review.
- Collaborate with Accessibility Engineers: Designers partnered with accessibility engineers to audit an initial batch of page templates, identifying potential accessibility gaps early.
- Annotate the Design Using Accessibility Design Principles: Each team annotated their designs directly, applying the principles discussed—such as semantic hierarchy, descriptive alt text, and correct interactive element use.
Through this collaborative approach, designers gained practical experience embedding accessibility into design artifacts. The result was not only improved accessibility documentation but also a stronger shared understanding across teams of how accessible design drives better user experiences for everyone.
