How to Make Shopify Input Fields Accessible

Learn how to enhance the accessibility of input fields on Shopify to improve user experience and boost conversions for all users.

Accessible input fields on Shopify improve user experience, boost conversions, and ensure inclusivity for people with disabilities. Here’s how to make your Shopify forms accessible:

  • Use Clear Labels: Always include visible labels linked to input fields using <label>.
  • Keyboard Navigation: Ensure smooth navigation with logical tab order and focus states.
  • Error Messages: Provide specific, clear error messages with aria-describedby and aria-live.
  • Color Contrast: Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for text.
  • Screen Reader Support: Use ARIA attributes like aria-required and aria-invalid.

Accessible forms not only enhance usability but also help meet legal standards and improve search engine rankings. Follow WCAG guidelines, test thoroughly with tools like Lighthouse and AXE DevTools, and optimize for screen readers and keyboard users.

Learn Accessibility – Full a11y Tutorial

Accessibility Standards for Input Fields

Making input fields accessible in Shopify involves sticking to established guidelines to ensure forms are usable for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer a detailed framework to help achieve this.

WCAG Guidelines for Input Fields

WCAG

Shopify themes often come with default input field styles that might need tweaking to meet WCAG standards. To ensure compliance, input fields should:

  • Include clear, visible labels connected to their input fields using the <label> tag in HTML. This helps screen readers identify them.
  • Allow smooth keyboard navigation with a logical tab order and focus states.
  • Provide clear and specific error messages.
  • Offer understandable instructions upfront.

By adhering to these practices, you can make your forms accessible to a broader audience.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Accessibility

Even with the best intentions, some common errors can create barriers for users. Avoid these pitfalls:

  • Missing or Incorrect Labels: Placeholder text is not a substitute for visible labels. Ensure labels are both visible and correctly linked to their input fields.
  • Low Color Contrast: Text and background colors should meet a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments.
  • Vague Error Messages: Instead of generic messages like "Invalid input", give clear instructions. For example, "Please enter a valid email address in this format: example@domain.com."
  • Keyboard Navigation Problems: Input fields should follow a logical sequence for users navigating with the Tab key. Include clear visual cues to indicate the selected field.

Steps to Design Accessible Input Fields

Now that we’ve gone over accessibility standards, let’s look at practical steps for designing input fields that meet WCAG guidelines.

Adding Clear and Visible Labels

Every input field should have a descriptive label that stays visible, even while the user is typing. Here’s an example:

<label for="customer-email">Email Address</label>
<input type="email" id="customer-email" name="customer-email" aria-label="Email Address">

If possible, split generic fields into more specific ones. For instance, use "First Name" and "Last Name" instead of just "Name."

Improving Form Layout and Usability

A well-organized form layout makes it easier for users to navigate. Consider these attributes to improve usability:

  • autocomplete="given-name" for quicker form completion
  • required aria-required="true" to mark mandatory fields
  • inputmode="numeric" for fields requiring numbers

Group related fields with fieldset and legend elements to create a logical structure:

<fieldset>
  <legend>Shipping Address</legend>
  <!-- Address-related input fields -->
</fieldset>

Providing Helpful Error Messages

Error messages should be clear and easy to understand. Use aria-describedby to connect error messages to their respective fields and aria-live to notify screen readers of errors. For example:

<input 
  type="email" 
  id="email" 
  aria-describedby="email-error"
  aria-invalid="true"
>
<div id="email-error" role="alert" aria-live="polite">
  Please enter a valid email address (example@domain.com)
</div>

Place error messages close to the input fields they refer to. Use both icons and color to highlight errors, ensuring they are noticeable and accessible.

Once your design is complete, make sure the input fields are properly coded and thoroughly tested for accessibility.

How to Code and Test Accessible Input Fields

Making Input Fields Work with Screen Readers

To improve how screen readers interact with input fields, make use of ARIA attributes:

<div class="form-field">
  <input 
    type="tel" 
    id="phone"
    name="phone"
    aria-required="true"
    aria-describedby="phone-hint"
    inputmode="numeric"
  >
  <span id="phone-hint" class="hint-text">
    Enter your 10-digit phone number
  </span>
</div>

For dynamic updates, include a simple alert region to notify users:

<div role="alert" aria-live="polite"></div>

Ensuring Keyboard-Friendly Navigation

Keyboard navigation is a must for users who can’t use a mouse. Focus management is key, especially when handling errors:

if (formErrors) {
  document.querySelector('[aria-invalid="true"]')?.focus();
}

Make sure all interactive elements, even custom ones, support keyboard use by implementing the right event handling and focus management techniques.

After setting these up, test your implementation thoroughly to ensure it meets accessibility standards.

Tools to Check Accessibility

Use these tools to verify that your input fields are accessible and user-friendly:

  • Automated Testing: Run Google Lighthouse audits in Chrome DevTools for a quick accessibility overview.
  • Screen Reader Testing: Test forms using screen readers like VoiceOver (macOS), NVDA or JAWS (Windows), and TalkBack (Android).
  • Keyboard Navigation Testing: Confirm users can:
    • Navigate form fields with the Tab key
    • Activate buttons and links using Enter
    • Use arrow keys for dropdowns
    • Submit forms with keyboard shortcuts

For a deeper analysis, try AXE DevTools. It identifies specific accessibility issues and offers detailed feedback aligned with WCAG guidelines.

Conclusion: Building Accessible Shopify Input Fields

Shopify

Key Takeaways

Making input fields accessible improves the shopping experience for everyone while boosting conversions. With around 15% of the global population living with disabilities, creating an inclusive e-commerce environment isn’t just considerate – it’s also smart for business. We’ve discussed essential elements like using proper semantic HTML, adding clear labels, and implementing strong error handling to create a shopping experience that works for all users.

By focusing on clear labeling, error handling, and keyboard-friendly navigation, you’re setting the stage for accessibility. Regular testing and updates keep your store user-friendly over time. In fact, studies reveal that 71% of users with disabilities leave websites that aren’t accessible [1]. This highlights how critical accessibility is for the success of your Shopify store.

Partnering with Experts Like E-commerce Dev Group

E-commerce Dev Group

If you’re looking for professional help, E-commerce Dev Group specializes in building accessible Shopify stores. They focus on WCAG-compliant forms, optimizing for screen readers, and ensuring seamless keyboard navigation – all while keeping your store’s design and user experience intact.

Their services include:

  • Custom forms designed to meet WCAG standards
  • Compatibility for screen readers to assist visually impaired users
  • Smooth keyboard navigation for better usability
  • Clear and accessible error handling for a frustration-free experience

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