Web Page Structure and Organization
Many people are used to clicking around a website or page to find the information they are seeking. It may take a few links or scrolls, but generally, it can be considered fairly simple.
For many other users, however—specifically those who are using accessibility tools and alternative methods to browse—it is not as simple as following drop-down menus or links. The organization of each page and the information contained therein is critical to making the web as accessible as it can be.
Whether through the use of screen readers, software that highlights only the main content, mobile users, or others, how your page is structured and organized is just as important as making that page compliant with accessibility requirements.
Imagine turning off your computer monitor and browsing one of your favorite sites by having the page read and described to you. No doubt the information on the page is organized in a manner that makes sense – clear headlines and descriptions, and content that is fairly easy to follow.
Now, perform the same exercise with your own site. While pages often appear to be organized fairly well, you may find that there are areas that could use some improvement. This is what digital accessibility is all about; continually reviewing and improving your site, app, or digital tools to make them available to the largest number of people possible.
The following are examples of some major areas to consider as you review or design your site structure and content:
- Page Regions
Clearly defined and marked-up regions of web pages or applications allow blocks of content (and page organization) to be easily identified by assistive technologies. Examples include headers, footers, navigation menus, main content, complementary content (sidebars, etc.), and more. - Region Labels
Along with the item above, clearly labeled regions make it easier for users to understand where they are on the page, and how to get to the content they are looking for. - Headings
While you likely already have some headings in place, reviewing your page or pages with a critical eye toward descriptive and accurate headings is key. Headings provide another level of useful information, especially for browser plug-ins and assistive technologies. - Structure of Content
Last but not least, the structure of each page’s content must be clearly defined. This can include using article, section, paragraph, list, quote, figure, image/illustration, and table tags, depending on what is appropriate.
You’ll know best how the information on your site is meant to be experienced. And when you take into consideration all of the possible users and tools that may encounter your pages, you can quickly and easily design and structure pages that are readily available to the widest possible audience.