Why accessibility matters for a wallet app
Wallets are security-critical apps. Making them usable for everyone — including people with visual, motor, cognitive or hearing differences — is not optional: it's essential. Accessible design reduces mistakes, increases trust, and helps ensure that safety features actually reach the people who need them.
1. Keyboard-first navigation
Support for robust keyboard navigation lets users who don't use a mouse interact with the Suite efficiently. Keyboard features to look for:
- Skip links — a "Skip to main" link that appears on focus to jump past repeated navigation.
- Logical tab order — tabbing moves through controls in an intuitive order (no traps).
- Visible focus indicators — clear, high-contrast outlines when elements receive keyboard focus. Try Tab to see them.
2. Screen-reader friendliness
Screen readers power interactions for many users. Accessible labels, ARIA attributes, and semantic HTML make the Suite understandable when read aloud.
- Descriptive labels — form fields, buttons and controls have explicit labels (not just placeholder text).
- Live regions and announcements — status updates (like sync progress) should be announced without stealing focus.
- Clear confirmation text — important security confirmations are read verbatim so users can confirm transaction details without ambiguity.
3. Visual accessibility: contrast, sizing & typographic scale
Readable text, scalable UI and strong color contrast reduce errors—particularly when users verify addresses or amounts.
- High contrast themes — a clear dark and light mode with WCAG-compliant contrast ratios.
- Resizable text — text should reflow gracefully when the user increases system font size or zooms the window.
- Clear typography — generous line-height, distinguishable characters (1 vs. l vs. I), and avoidance of small caps for critical values.
4. Respecting prefers-reduced-motion
Some users are sensitive to motion. The Suite should respect the prefers-reduced-motion
setting and avoid nonessential animations when enabled.
5. Accessible forms & error handling
Forms are where mistakes can be costly. Well-structured forms and clear inline errors reduce risk.
- Label + instruction pairings — each input has a visible label and short instruction when needed.
- Inline validation — validate as users type and provide concise, actionable error messages.
- Programmatic focus — when an error occurs, focus should move to the first invalid input and announce the issue to assistive tech.
6. Audio & multimodal cues
Audible cues can reinforce critical moments—like successful backup completion—but should be optional and never the only cue.
- Captions & transcripts — any tutorial videos should include captions and text transcripts.
- Configurable audio — allow users to mute or alter sound feedback and provide visual equivalents for all sounds.
7. Clear, accessible security language
Security is complex. Use plain language for recovery phrases, threat models and backup instructions so users can make informed decisions.
- Step-by-step onboarding — break down backup and recovery into simple steps, with confirmations at each stage.
- Visual examples — provide large, high-contrast examples of correct vs. risky behaviour (e.g., verifying addresses).
- Avoid jargon
8. Multiple input methods & assistive technologies
Support for screen readers, keyboard, switch controls and voice input expands usability. Ensure that all critical functions can be performed without precise pointer gestures.
9. Built-in accessibility checks & community testing
Periodic automated checks and community-driven user testing catch regressions early. A product that publishes accessibility goals and changelogs demonstrates commitment.
10. Internationalisation & localization
Accessible UI isn't just about screen readers — it's also about language. Provide clear translations, culturally appropriate formatting, and ensure right-to-left layouts work where applicable.
Quick checklist: keyboard navigation, visible focus, screen reader labels, high contrast modes, reduced motion support, clear confirmations, accessible forms, captions for media, multiple input support, and regular audits.