Enhancing Web Accessibility: A New Era for Animation
The web has long been a dynamic and engaging platform, with animations playing a key role in enhancing user experience. However, for some individuals, these animations can be more than just a nuisance – they can be a source of distress or even a barrier to accessibility.
The Importance of Animation Control
Until recently, users had limited control over animations on the web. While operating systems have provided options to reduce animations for years, the web platform has lagged behind. This has meant that individuals with conditions such as vestibular disorders, dyslexia, or attention disorders have had to endure potentially distressing animations or abandon websites altogether.
Introducing Prefers-Reduced-Motion
Fortunately, a new media query, prefers-reduced-motion, has arrived to address this issue. Part of the Media Queries Level 5 CSS specification, this feature allows developers to query the user’s operating system for their animation preferences and adjust CSS rules accordingly. With Chrome 74 joining Firefox and Safari in supporting this feature, it’s now possible to deploy more accessible animations across major browsers.
Implementing Prefers-Reduced-Motion
Developers can implement prefers-reduced-motion using progressive enhancement techniques. By providing alternative animation styles for users who prefer reduced motion, developers can ensure a more inclusive experience. For example, a simple animation can be replaced with a static image or a reduced-motion version of the animation.
The Nuke Approach
For existing codebases, implementing prefers-reduced-motion can be challenging. In such cases, a “nuke approach” can be employed, where all animations are disabled when the user prefers reduced motion. This can be achieved using a universal selector to set animation-duration to a very short time, forcing all animations to their end point instantly.
Conclusion
With the introduction of prefers-reduced-motion, the web has taken a significant step towards greater accessibility. By providing users with control over animations, developers can create a more inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone. Whether through progressive enhancement or the nuke approach, it’s now possible to make the web a better place for individuals with diverse needs and preferences.