Accessibility (A11y)
Définition
Digital accessibility, often abbreviated as A11y (with the number 11 representing the letters between “a” and “y”), refers to the practice of designing digital products that can be used by everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. This includes people with disabilities (visual, motor, auditory, cognitive), as well as users facing situational limitations (such as screen glare in bright sunlight or noisy environments). As of 2025, accessibility is governed by the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and is based on four fundamental principles: content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (the POUR framework).
Exemple
Imagine a visually impaired user browsing your e-commerce website using a screen reader. If they reach a product page where the image lacks alternative text (alt text), the software may simply read “Image-452.jpg,” making the experience frustrating and the purchase uncertain. By adding a descriptive text such as “Red running shoes with white laces,” you allow the user to understand the offer and complete their purchase independently. This is not only helpful for visually impaired users. It is also what enables Google (which is effectively “blind”) to better understand and index your images.
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