The podcast discusses the significance of heading design in HTML websites, including common issues, best practices, and benefits. They highlight the importance of accessibility and navigation, as well as the impact on SEO. The use of the H1 tag for website names and logos is explored, along with the use of Aria attributes and role attribute for heading levels. Proper heading structure and challenges of nesting components are also discussed. The importance of addressing accessibility issues in web development and assuming positive intent are emphasized.
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Quick takeaways
Headings in HTML are crucial for accessibility and should be structured properly.
Proper heading structure allows screen reader users to navigate effectively and helps search engine crawlers understand the website better.
Deep dives
Importance of Headings in HTML
Headings in HTML, specifically from h1 to h6, are more important than people give them credit for. They play a crucial role in accessibility for screen readers and SEO for search engine crawlers. Proper heading structure allows users with visual impairments or dyslexia to navigate the website effectively. Headings also act as landmarks for the website's outline. It is essential to think of headings as creating an outline for the content on your site and not just focus on visual hierarchy.
Common Mistakes in Heading Design
One common mistake is using headings based on visual design rather than proper indentation levels. Headings should match the structure of the page, following a legitimate outline. Skipping heading numbers is another mistake, as it disrupts the hierarchy. People often omit headings or use incorrect headings for quotes or logos, which can confuse screen readers and affect the website's accessibility. Additionally, some debate surrounds using multiple h1 headings, but it is generally recommended to avoid it.
Accessibility and Tools for Heading Design
Headings are crucial for accessibility, providing an outline for screen reader users. They act as shortcuts, allowing users to navigate directly to the sections they need. Search engine crawlers also benefit from well-structured headings to understand the website better. Tools like Headings Map, Polypane, and screen readers can help developers analyze and improve heading design. Visually hidden headings can be used when the design does not allow them to be displayed but remains essential for the page's structure and outline.
In this Hasty Treat, Scott and Wes talk about headings on your website, why you should care, how to structure your headings, and what tooling is there for testing your website?