In the digital age, design isn’t just about beauty or branding, it’s about communication, and more importantly, inclusion. As designers, we don’t just shape how things look, we shape how people experience the world. Yet, the latest findings from the WebAIM Million 2025 report reveal that 94.8% of the top one million website homepages have detectable Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) failures. That includes issues like low-contrast text (found on 79.1% of homepages), missing alt text (present on 55.5%), and empty links or buttons (45.4% and 29.6%) - elements that are essential for users who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or other assistive technologies.
Making design accessible benefits everyone. A clean, legible interface is easier for users with cognitive impairments and multitasking parents with one hand on a phone. Strong colour contrast helps users with colour blindness and those outdoors in bright sunlight. The WebAIM report reminds us that many of the most common accessibility barriers such as empty buttons, redundant links, or improperly structured headings, also degrade usability for the general population.
Addressing accessibility means rethinking the basics. For example, text contrast isn’t just a visual detail, it’s a functional requirement. Yet, as WebAIM’s data shows, nearly 4 in 5 homepages still use low-contrast text, which can make content unreadable for users with low vision or colour sensitivity. Designers must treat readability as non-negotiable, choosing colour pairings that meet at least WCAG AA standards.
Missing alternative text is another persistent issue. Alt text isn't only for screen readers, it's integral to accessible design and also supports SEO. Every meaningful image should include descriptive text that conveys its purpose or content. Likewise, headings should be correctly structured to support screen reader navigation, and all links and buttons should be clearly labelled - something that’s still missing on 48.3% of homepages in the 2025 audit.
Accessible design also means designing with flexibility. That includes ensuring layouts adapt across screen sizes, and that interactions are possible with keyboard input alone. It's not about designing less, it’s about designing smarter, with empathy.
One of the biggest takeaways from the WebAIM Million is that accessibility isn’t failing due to lack of knowledge, it’s failing due to lack of prioritisation. Accessibility isn’t a checkbox at the end of a project, it needs to be part of the entire workflow, from brand strategy and wireframing to development and QA.
Design is not just how things look, it’s how they work. If something looks beautiful but excludes people, it’s not well-designed. The WebAIM Million reminds us that most websites are still falling short, but it also shows us where to start. By addressing contrast, alt text, navigation, and semantics, we can close that gap and create digital experiences that are usable, thoughtful, and truly inclusive.
