*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Web accessibility standards include guidelines for making “unusual words” accessible. “Unusual words” refers to jargon, technical terms, and abbreviations that may be unfamiliar to some users. Making these terms clear benefits all users, especially those with cognitive disabilities or who are not fluent in the language. This article explains how to handle “unusual words” to enhance user comprehension and improve accessibility.
Importance of Addressing “Unusual Words”
When users encounter complex or specialized terms without explanation, it can lead to confusion and frustration. Including explanations for such words is essential for the following reasons:
-
Improved comprehension for all users
Users without specific knowledge of an industry or topic benefit from clear explanations, which help them understand your content better. -
Enhanced experience for users with cognitive disabilities
Jargon and complex terms can be challenging for users with cognitive impairments, who benefit from simple language and explanations. -
Support for users learning the language
Those new to a language may struggle with industry-specific or technical terms. Definitions or tooltips can help bridge this gap.
Techniques for Making “Unusual Words” Accessible
There are several ways to handle “unusual words” to improve web accessibility:
1. Provide Definitions or Descriptions
For technical terms or jargon, offer a brief definition directly in the text, using parentheses or tooltips, so users understand without leaving the page.
Example:
<p>The study followed the principles of <span aria-label="complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor">CMOS</span> technology.</p>
2. Use Tooltips or Popovers
Tooltips or popovers allow users to view definitions by hovering over or clicking on the term. This approach is helpful for maintaining content flow without adding long explanations.
Example:
<p>The application requires an understanding of <abbr title="Application Programming Interface">API</abbr> standards.</p>
3. Include a Glossary
For websites with numerous technical terms, a glossary page is effective. Link the terms to the glossary so users can easily find definitions.
Example:
<p>The report details the <a href="#glossary" title="See Glossary for Definition">ROI</a> of recent investments.</p>
4. Avoid Overuse of Abbreviations
Use full phrases when possible, especially for the first mention of a term, so that users are clear on the meaning. If abbreviations are used, ensure they’re defined the first time they appear on each page.
Key Points to Check for Accessible “Unusual Words”
Consistency in Definitions: Ensure terms have consistent explanations across pages. Readability of Tooltips: Test that tooltip text is readable and accessible via keyboard for users navigating without a mouse. Glossary Placement: Place glossary links where users can find them easily and ensure the glossary itself is accessible. Language and Regional Considerations: Remember that some terms may differ by region, so adapt explanations accordingly.
Tools to Enhance Accessibility for “Unusual Words”
- WAVE: Accessibility evaluation tool that highlights text with limited readability and areas needing more explanation.
- Browser Extensions for Accessibility: Extensions like ChromeVox and screen readers help test if tooltips and glossaries are accessible for different users.
- Glossary Plugins: For content-heavy sites, plugins that manage glossaries make adding definitions across pages easier.
Conclusion
Handling “unusual words” with clarity and accessibility in mind can make a substantial difference in user experience. Simple explanations, accessible tooltips, and consistent definitions help all users better understand content, creating a more inclusive web. When designing a website, remember to make jargon and specialized terms accessible so that everyone can access information easily.
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.