*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
On a website, links serve as crucial gateways for users to access other pages or content. However, if the purpose of a link is unclear, it can cause confusion and significantly harm the accessibility of a website. This is especially true for users with visual impairments or those using screen readers, as unclear link purposes can make it difficult for them to navigate the site.
In this article, we will explore the importance of clearly defining the “purpose of links” and provide specific implementation methods to enhance accessibility.
Why the Purpose of Links is Important
When the purpose of a link is not clear, it reduces the usability of the website for all users. It can create significant barriers, especially for the following users:
- Screen reader users: If link text is vague, such as “Click here” or “More details,” users won’t know where the link will lead, causing confusion. These users must rely on the context around the link, making smooth navigation difficult.
- Users with cognitive disabilities: When a page has many links, it can be hard to determine which one to click without a clear understanding of each link’s purpose.
- Visually impaired users: For users relying on screen readers or voice browsers, the link text alone should convey its purpose.
By clarifying the purpose of links, you can ensure a more accessible website for all users.
Best Practices for Clarifying the Purpose of Links
To make link text more understandable, there are several key points to keep in mind. Below are specific methods to help clearly convey the purpose of links.
1. Use Clear and Concise Link Text
Link text should succinctly and clearly describe the content it leads to. Avoid vague expressions such as “Click here” or “Read more,” and instead use text that specifies the content.
Good Examples:
Bad Examples:
2. Consider the Context Around the Link
The context in which a link is placed is also important. Since screen reader users often navigate by listening to a list of links, it’s crucial that the purpose of each link is clear without relying on surrounding context.
Good Examples:
3. Avoid Overusing the Title Attribute or Explanatory Text
While it’s possible to add supplementary explanations using the title attribute, it’s generally unnecessary if the link text is already clear. The title attribute may not always be read by screen readers and isn’t visually displayed. Therefore, it’s best to ensure the purpose of the link is conveyed through the link text itself.
4. Ensure Consistency in Link Text on the Same Page
If there are multiple links leading to the same destination on a single page, ensure that the link text is consistent. Using different expressions for the same link can confuse users.
Good Example:
- All links consistently say “View product details.”
Bad Example:
- Some links say “Check the product” while others say “More info here” for the same destination.
How to Test the Purpose of Links
To ensure the purpose of links is properly conveyed, you can use the following methods to test:
- Test with a screen reader: List out the links using a screen reader and check if the purpose of each link is clear from the text alone.
- Test keyboard navigation: Navigate using only a keyboard and see if the purpose of the links is easily understood.
- Visual check: Ensure that links are visually distinguishable from other text so that they are immediately recognizable as links.
These tests help confirm that the links are functioning as intended and are easy to understand for all users.
Accessibility Guidelines for Link Purpose
The WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) sets specific standards for link purposes. In particular, 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) requires that the purpose of a link is clear either from the link text itself or its surrounding context.
Additionally, 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) recommends that the purpose of the link is understandable from the link text alone, without relying on context. Following these guidelines helps ensure improved accessibility.
Conclusion
Clarifying the purpose of links directly contributes to better web accessibility. To ensure users can smoothly navigate to their desired pages, it’s essential that link text is specific and doesn’t rely on surrounding context. Review your website’s link design and make improvements so that all users can enjoy a more accessible browsing experience. Clearly defining the purpose of links will help create a more usable and accessible website.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.