ARIA
Definition
ARIA, or Accessible Rich Internet Applications, is a specification developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that provides additional semantic information to web content. This is particularly crucial for complex web applications that use dynamic content and advanced user interface controls, which may not be inherently accessible to assistive technologies.
Incorporating ARIA attributes into HTML elements helps convey information about the roles, states, and properties of user interface components. This enables screen readers and other assistive technologies to interpret the functionality of these elements more effectively, thereby improving the overall user experience for individuals with disabilities.
As web applications become increasingly interactive, the importance of ARIA grows. By following ARIA guidelines, UX designers and developers can ensure that their applications are usable by a broader audience, fostering inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards.
Expanded Definition
The ARIA specification was first introduced in 2008 to address the limitations of standard HTML in providing accessibility features for complex web applications. It enables developers to create rich interactive experiences while ensuring that these experiences remain accessible. Key ARIA roles include button, slider, and dialog, among others, which define the type of user interface component an element represents.
Moreover, ARIA attributes can be used to communicate the current state of an element, such as whether a checkbox is checked or unchecked. By providing this additional context, ARIA significantly enhances the experience for users who rely on assistive technologies, allowing them to interact with web applications more effectively.
Key Activities
Implementing ARIA attributes in web applications to improve accessibility.
Testing web applications with assistive technologies to ensure proper functionality.
Training team members on ARIA best practices.
Conducting accessibility audits to identify areas for ARIA implementation.
Keeping up-to-date with changes in ARIA specifications and guidelines.
Benefits
Enhances accessibility for users with disabilities.
Improves compliance with legal accessibility standards.
Fosters inclusivity in web applications.
Increases user satisfaction and engagement.
Facilitates better interaction with complex UI components.
Example
An example of ARIA in action can be seen in a web application that features a dynamic form. By using ARIA attributes such as aria-required and aria-invalid, developers can indicate to screen readers which fields are mandatory and whether any errors exist in user input. This guidance helps users navigate the form more effectively, ensuring a smoother interaction.
Use Cases
Enhancing the accessibility of a single-page application (SPA).
Improving user experience on a complex data visualization dashboard.
Creating accessible widgets, like sliders and date pickers, in web forms.
Enabling better navigation within tabbed interfaces or accordions.
Facilitating interactions in live chat applications or customer support tools.
Challenges & Limitations
Improper use of ARIA can lead to confusion rather than clarity.
Not all ARIA attributes are supported by all assistive technologies.
Over-reliance on ARIA can detract from using native HTML elements that are already accessible.
Requires ongoing education and awareness among developers and designers.
Tools & Methods
WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) for testing ARIA implementations.
Screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA) to evaluate accessibility.
Accessibility audit tools and checklists.
Browser developer tools for inspecting ARIA attributes.
Frameworks that support ARIA, such as React and Angular, with accessibility in mind.
How to Cite "ARIA" - APA, MLA, and Chicago Citation Formats
UX Glossary. (2025, February 11, 2026). ARIA. UX Glossary. https://www.uxglossary.com/glossary/aria
Note: Access date is automatically set to today. Update if needed when using the citation.