Bullet points are mainly used to make content clear and comprehensible, but can they also improve accessibility for everyone? In this article, we will explore how bullet points enhance web accessibility, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for creating lists that work for all readers.
Table of Contents
What Are Bullet Points?
Bullet points are old-fashioned but a simple and effective way to share information by breaking it into short and easily understandable points. These points are usually marked with symbols like dots, dashes or numbered lines. Bullet points are widely used in all formats of content like articles, reports, websites, and presentations, because:
- Complicated information becomes simple and easier-to-understand.
- The most important points are highlighted.
- Readability becomes easier due to smaller blocks of text..
- If done right, bullet points help readers grasp information faster and clearly.
How Bullet Points Can level up Accessibility quotient?
Bullet points, when used thoughtfully, can significantly aid those who use assistive technologies or those who face cognitive challenges. Here are a few points to emphasize it:
- Boosting Readability
Bullet points organize content into sections, making it easier for people with reading challenges or those who struggle to focus. Users can quickly scan the content, and identify key ideas without having to wade through long paragraphs.
- Helping Screen Reader Users
If bullet points are created using the correct HTML tags like <ul> for unordered lists and <ol> for numbered lists, assistive technology can easily identify and interpret them, easing things for visually impaired users, allowing them to consume content efficiently.
- Giving Information a Clear Flow
Bullet points provide a neat and clear structure, making information easier to follow. This helps users with cognitive difficulties by making information easier to understand..
- Displaying Well Across Devices
Bullet points are responsive and visually appealing on all devices, ensuring easy content consumption while improving readability and navigation.
Common Mistakes to avoid
While bullet point presentation is useful, it can cause issues if used incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes:
Having Too Many Bullet Points
Long lists can overwhelm readers. Keeping lists short and to the point makes them effective and comprehensible.
Using Uncommon Symbols
If you use unusual or decorative symbols instead of the commonly used ones, screen readers might misinterpret this and fail to recognize them correctly thus leading to confusion for visually impaired users. Use simple symbols like dots, dashes, or numbers.
Forgetting Proper HTML Tags
Using the wrong HTML tags means that screen readers may not interpret bullet points correctly. Always use the appropriate tags—<ul>, <ol>, and <li>—to ensure accessiblilty.
Poor Spacing and Contrast
Minimal spacing between bullet points, combined with low text-to-background contrast, can make the list difficult to read. Proper spacing and an accessible contrast ratio can help readers engage easily with the content.
Not Providing Context
Diving into a list without any introduction can confuse readers. It would be helpful to include a context prior to the list for clarity.
WCAG and Best Practices for Bullet Points
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) doesn’t specify a maximum length for bulleted lists. However, the main goal of digital accessibility is to enhance the user experience for as many people as possible—not just to meet WCAG standards.
Best Practices for Accessible Bullet Points
To ensure optimal bullet points accessibility, follow these best practices:
1. Use Simple, Standard Symbols
Simple symbols such as dots, dashes, or numbers are easier for readers to recognize and are compatible with assistive devices.
2. Keep Lists Short
Aim for 5-7 points in a list. For additional content it’s better to break the information into smaller and manageable lists.
3. Ensure Proper Spacing and Contrast
Ensure there is enough spacing between bullet points to improve readability. For ease of readability, use accessible contrast colors for the text and background, especially for individuals with visual impairments.
4. Use Correct HTML Tags
For web content, make sure you use the correct HTML tags—<ul>, <ol>, and <li>—so that screen readers can correctly interpret your bullet points.
5. Add an Introduction
Before listing bullet points, add an introductory sentence for a clear understanding. This will also help readers who may need additional time to absorb information.
6. Test for Accessibility
Before publishing your content, run it through accessibility tools. Seeking feedback from users who rely on assistive devices is helpful to make improvements.
7. Maintain a consistent style.
End each bullet point with a period as this may improve screen reader pronunciation.
Again, lengthy bullet points won’t violate WCAG guidelines, but keeping them concise can improve readability and overall user experience.
When Not to Use Lists
While lists help organize content, they aren’t always the best choice. Product cards, which display details like titles, descriptions, prices, and links, can overwhelm users when placed in a list. Similarly, tabular data, though it may look like a list, is structured differently, with headings, sorting options, and action buttons. Screen readers have specific ways to navigate tables, making lists unsuitable for this type of content.
Wrapping Up
When used effectively, bullet points can significantly enhance readability by making information clearer and more accessible, including for users with disabilities. However, improper use can lead to confusion and reduce accessibility.
By following best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure bullet points improve comprehension for all readers. Also, note when you shouldn’t use it for a better experience for all users.
Creating accessible content can be challenging, but AEL Data offers expert services to help organizations make websites, documents, and other materials more inclusive.
Contact AEL Data to see how they can help deliver clear, inclusive communication for all users.
