How do I incorporate accessibility into my design system?

To make your design system accessible, integrate inclusion into every style and component:

  • Use accessible color contrasts: Ensure your color palette meets at least WCAG 2.1 AA standards—4.5:1 for text. For guidance on selecting accessible colors, refer to What Are Accessible Colors? and A Guide to Colors in Design Systems.

  • Define readable typography: Establish scalable font sizes and adequate spacing for readability. Explore best practices in Typography in UX/UI: A Complete Guide.

  • Ensure interactive components are accessible: Incorporate visible focus states, proper labels, and relevant ARIA roles in your components. For comprehensive strategies, see How To Design For Accessibility.

  • Document accessibility guidelines: Provide clear instructions on writing alt text, avoiding inaccessible patterns, and implementing components correctly. A helpful resource is Design Accessibility Resources: A Guide.

  • Test and review regularly: Continuously evaluate your design system to ensure updates maintain accessibility standards.

Accessibility should be integrated from the outset, ensuring that all team members can create inclusive products by default.

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