Karen’s Flowers
Problem Statement: The existing website (karensflowersmesa.com) presents significant accessibility barriers for visually impaired users and those relying on keyboard-only navigation. Key issues include inadequate alt text, missing captions, lack of form labels, limited keyboard accessibility, and poor color contrast.
Original Look: The initial website design, characterized by Christmas-themed elements and poor legibility, necessitated comprehensive revisions to enhance accessibility and user experience.
Screenshot of Karen’s Flowers website, 2023
Proposed Solutions: In addressing these accessibility challenges, the redesign I prioritized the following solutions:
Alt Text: Implement descriptive alt attributes for images to ensure screen reader compatibility and enhance content comprehension.
Captions: Provide captions for multimedia content to cater to users with hearing impairments and offer enhanced context.
Form Labels: Incorporate clear and descriptive labels for form fields to facilitate seamless interaction for keyboard users and users of assistive technologies.
Keyboard-Only Access: Enhance keyboard navigation capabilities by adding skip links, focus indicators, and logical tab orders to improve overall usability.
Color Contrast: Adjust color combinations to meet WCAG standards for sufficient color contrast, promoting readability and accessibility for all users.
Thought Process: The decision to focus on accessibility stems from a firsthand experience in the medical industry, witnessing the challenges faced by visually impaired patients accessing online resources. This project aligns with a broader goal of leveraging design expertise to empower smaller businesses in prioritizing accessibility.
Solution Validation: The proposed redesign aims to address usability issues inherent in the existing website, ultimately improving user experience and potentially attracting a wider customer base. By aligning with WCAG guidelines and industry best practices, the solution seeks to enhance the website's credibility and accessibility.
Changes in Solution Approach: The initial solution trajectory involved site-specific user research; however, it evolved towards a broader examination of competitor websites and established design principles. This shift allowed for the integration of solutions informed by industry standards and public research, optimizing the redesign process.
Conclusion: Through a strategic focus on accessibility enhancements, the redesign of the existing website aims to not only mitigate usability barriers but also foster inclusivity and improve overall usability. By prioritizing user-centric design principles and leveraging industry standards, the project endeavors to create a more accessible and engaging online platform for all users.
Visit the fully coded website here!
For a comprehensive overview, including inspiring screenshots, wireframes, color palettes, font samples, and more, please visit my Behance portfolio!
