LFW

Insights · 4 minutes

Accessibility Tips

Color contrast, image headers, link behavior, and the small interface choices that determine whether a page works for everyone.

By Leland Fiegel · Accessible interfaces, LFW · June 21, 2026

Check contrast where it actually appears

Color contrast can look acceptable in a design file and fail on the real page, especially when text sits over image headers, gradients, or textured backgrounds.

A contrast checker should be used against the actual foreground and background colors users see, not the idealized palette values.

Image headers need extra care

Text over imagery is fragile. The image crop can change, responsive layouts can move the focal point, and a bright part of the image can sit directly behind important copy.

If a header depends on an image, the design needs a predictable treatment that keeps text readable across screen sizes.

Opening a new tab should be intentional

Opening links in a new tab can be useful for documents, external resources, or workflows where losing the current page would be disruptive.

It should not be a default habit. Unexpected new tabs can confuse users, especially people navigating with assistive technology.

Keep reading

August 9, 2026 · 5 minutes

Tap Targets and Mobile Keyboards

Fingertips are not cursors. Target sizes, tappable labels, and the field settings that decide which keyboard appears — the mobile details that quietly determine whether your form gets finished.

August 8, 2026 · 5 minutes

Error Messages That Actually Help

A form's error messages are the only conversation it ever has. What a useful error says, where it belongs on the page, when it should speak up, and who has to be able to perceive it.

Prefer to write?

Tell us what needs to work better.

Slow, fragile, hard to edit, missing a workflow — say it plainly. You'll get a straight answer, not a ticket number.

You'll get a straight answer, usually the same day.