Accessible
UI
Design
A practical WCAG accessibility checklist for SaaS design teams, covering color contrast, keyboard use, forms, focus states and more.
Why Accessibility Matters for SaaS
Quick answer: accessible design makes your product usable for people with disabilities, and it usually makes it easier for everyone. Following WCAG guidelines also helps you meet requirements from enterprise buyers. WCAG, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is the common standard. Most teams aim for level AA. Accessibility also improves usability in tough conditions, like bright sunlight, small screens or slow connections.
Accessibility is much cheaper to design in from the start than to fix after launch. Use a design tool plugin or online checker to test color contrast while you design, rather than after.
UI/UX
Accessibility
The Visual Checklist
Color contrast: normal text needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 against its background, and large text at least 3 to 1. Don't rely on color alone: pair status colors with icons or labels. Avoid tiny text in dense interfaces like tables and dashboards, where readability matters most.
Readable type: use comfortable font sizes and line spacing, and let text resize without breaking layouts. Visible focus states: every interactive element needs a clear focus outline for keyboard users. Error messages should explain what went wrong and how to fix it, placed close to the field with the problem.
The Interaction Checklist
Keyboard access: users must be able to reach and use every control with a keyboard alone. Forms: every input needs a visible label, clear error messages and instructions that do not disappear. Make sure modals, menus and dialogs trap focus correctly and can be closed with the keyboard.
Touch targets: make buttons large enough to tap easily on mobile. Screen readers: use meaningful alt text and proper heading structure. Kites Design checks accessibility as part of every UI request. Document accessibility rules in your design system so every new component meets the standard by default.
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