UI/UX and the importance of WCAG
UI/UX and the importance of WCAG
While exploring whether I should learn more about UI, I came across some really solid principles about what makes interfaces feel right. It's not just about making things look pretty - it's about understanding how spacing, boundaries, and layout affect how users actually interact with your app.
Flow and Mental Load
When users move through your interface, they're following a natural flow. Think about form fields grouped together - if you suddenly break that flow with a long paragraph, it interrupts their rhythm. Same goes for interactive elements buried in content blocks - they just feel out of place. The key is managing transitions between elements so users don't have to think too hard. Predictability reduces mental cost.
Boundaries and Density
Every element needs some kind of boundary to define what it is. Interactive elements like buttons get clear backgrounds or outlines to stand out. Content that should blend together (like headings and paragraphs) can share space without strict boundaries. The spacing around content - padding and margins - directly affects how cramped or cluttered things feel. Too tight and it's overwhelming. Too loose and interactions become a chore because of all the extra travel distance.
WCAG as a Foundation
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) aren't just about compliance - they're a practical framework for clarity. If your interface is clear enough for users with impairments, it's definitely clear for everyone. Contrast, consistent behavior, and meaningful structure all stem from these principles. It's worth internalizing because good accessibility usually means good UX overall.
Resources
• https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/visual-audio-contrast.html
• https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/meaning.html
• https://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/consistent-behavior.html
• https://m3.material.io/foundations/layout/understanding-layout/spacing