Vota.nl is a Dutch vacancy bank connecting job seekers with employers. The platform had recently undergone a redesign, but accessibility had not been a primary focus. The goal was to audit and transform the design into a truly universal experience.
A comprehensive accessibility audit was performed using WCAG 2.1 guidelines as the primary benchmark, combining multiple evaluation methods:
The original Vota.nl design before accessibility improvements
One of the most significant issues was the colour palette. Several combinations failed WCAG AA contrast requirements, particularly text over coloured backgrounds.
Colour contrast improvements to meet WCAG AA standards
Improving text legibility over photographic backgrounds
The original design lacked clear visual and semantic hierarchy. Heading levels were skipped, and the typographic scale did not establish a clear reading order.
Restructuring navigation to communicate clear hierarchy
The redesigned Vota.nl with improved hierarchy and accessibility
Following the accessibility improvements, a comprehensive styleguide was created documenting all decisions made. This served as a reference for the development team and future designers on the platform.
The styleguide included accessible colour tokens, typography scale with minimum size recommendations, component states including focus indicators, and interaction guidelines for keyboard and touch users.
Styleguide created as a reference for developers and future designers