Wright to Learn’s Handy Tips to Improve Your Website and Advance Digital Inclusion
As the internet serves as the primary gateway to resources, services, and information, websites must be accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly. Enhancing a website for digital inclusion means ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, and locations can easily access and engage with its content. This approach not only broadens the audience but also aligns with the values of inclusivity and accessibility, making the web a better place for all. To assist you in this effort, Wright to Learn has developed key strategies for improving your website and promoting digital inclusion.
What is Digital Inclusion and Why Does It Matter for Your Website
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) defines digital inclusion as “the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).” For a website, this would mean that “content is designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.”
A website optimized for digital inclusion benefits both users and your organization. Accessible, inclusive sites reach broader audiences, enhance engagement, and comply with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). By prioritizing digital inclusion, your website not only improves search engine rankings but also builds trust and a positive reputation among users.
Design with Digital Literacy in Mind
Understanding that not all users have high digital literacy is key to building an inclusive website. Designing for users at all levels means avoiding complex layouts, providing intuitive navigation, and offering helpful instructions for interaction.
Design Tips for Digital Literacy:
Consistent Navigation Elements: Ensure menus, buttons, and links are in predictable locations and follow standard conventions. Users with lower digital literacy can navigate more easily with consistent placement.
Guided User Paths: Use clear, step-by-step instructions where users may need guidance, such as checkout processes, form fills, or account setup.
Tooltips and Onboarding: Offering tooltips (small pop-ups with tips) or a brief onboarding guide for first-time visitors can make a big difference in usability.
Simplify Language and Content for Clarity
Not all users have the same level of reading proficiency or familiarity with digital jargon. Write content in plain language, avoid complex terms, and structure it to support readability.
Tips for Simplifying Content:
Use Clear Headings and Subheadings: Break up content with descriptive headings, making it easy to skim. Structured headers improve navigation, particularly for screen reader users.
Limit Industry Jargon: Use straightforward language and avoid complex terms. For specialized content, consider providing a glossary to explain terms.
Provide Multimedia Alternatives: Offer content in multiple formats—like audio, video, and text—so users can engage in the way that suits them best.
Implement Mobile-First Design Principles
A mobile-first design approach is essential, as mobile devices are often the primary means of internet access for many people, especially in low-income or remote areas. A mobile-friendly website supports digital inclusion by ensuring users can access content conveniently and consistently across devices.
Best Practices for Mobile Optimization:
Responsive Design: Ensure that content automatically adjusts to fit various screen sizes without sacrificing quality or functionality.
Simplified Navigation: Use a clear, concise menu structure with an easy-to-access search function. This is crucial for mobile users who may struggle with complex navigation on small screens.
Reduce Load Times: Slow-loading sites can alienate users, particularly those with limited bandwidth or data restrictions. Minimize heavy files, use optimized images, and enable lazy loading to improve performance.
Optimize Website Accessibility
Accessibility is the cornerstone of digital inclusion. Ensuring your website meets accessibility standards makes it usable for everyone, regardless of background, socio-economic status, or disabilities.
Accessibility Enhancements to Consider:
Use Alt Text for Images: Providing clear, descriptive alt text enables screen readers to interpret images for visually impaired users. Make sure to describe the image’s function rather than focusing on minor details, as this improves relevance and usability.
Add Keyboard Navigation: Some users rely solely on keyboard navigation, so all website elements should be navigable without a mouse. This includes forms, buttons, links, and dropdown menus.
Enable Screen Reader Compatibility: Check for screen reader compatibility by testing your site with screen reader tools. This ensures text, buttons, and other interactive elements are accessible to users who cannot see them.
Accessibility Resources: Utilize resources such as WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) and Google Lighthouse to conduct audits and identify areas needing improvement in accessibility.
Prioritize Fast, Reliable Hosting Solutions
A website’s performance and reliability are crucial for equitable access, especially for users with slower internet speeds or data limitations. A well-hosted site with minimal downtime and fast loading times can make a significant impact.
Hosting Considerations:
Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider: Select a provider known for high uptime and fast load speeds.
Leverage Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs help speed up content delivery by caching files on servers located closer to users. This minimizes load times and improves accessibility for users globally.
Enable Browser Caching: Caching stores some site data locally on the user’s device, reducing load times for repeat visits.
Regularly Update for Security and Compliance
Maintaining a secure website protects users' data and builds trust, particularly for those concerned about privacy. Regular updates ensure compliance with standards and enhance user-friendliness.
Key Security and Compliance Practices:
Secure Sensitive Data with HTTPS: Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt user data, which protects information during transmission and promotes trust.
Regularly Update Plugins and Software: Outdated plugins and systems can create vulnerabilities. Keeping your website’s backend up to date reduces risks and enhances stability.
Stay Compliant with Accessibility Standards: Aim for at least WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, ensuring that your site is up-to-date with accessibility standards. These guidelines improve accessibility for all users, regardless of device or ability.
Enhancing your website with digital inclusion in mind fosters an accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly experience for all. By prioritizing accessibility, mobile optimization, digital literacy support, and continuous updates, your website becomes a powerful tool for digital inclusion. Meeting these standards broadens your reach and aligns your platform with the principles of fairness and inclusivity, contributing to a more equitable digital landscape for everyone.
Interested in learning more about digital inclusion? Be sure to follow Wright to Learn on Facebook or LinkedIn where we regularly post educational information, useful resources, and helpful tips to foster digital inclusion.
