Provide clear and consistent structure

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 78 views

Improving Accessibility and Semantic Structure: Using div and span elements for list of databadges in card elements

In the context of web development, using the correct HTML elements is crucial for creating accessible and semantic structures. The Zoek API's Template, a design system for the Dutch government, provides a set of guidelines for developers to follow. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that there are areas for improvement, particularly when it comes to using <div> and <span> elements for list of databadges in card elements.

The Problem: Using div and span elements for list of databadges

The current implementation uses <div> and <span> elements to create lists of databadges within card elements. While this may seem like a straightforward approach, it can lead to accessibility issues and make the code more difficult to maintain. The use of <div> and <span> elements can make it challenging for screen readers and other assistive technologies to understand the structure of the content.

The Solution: Using ul and li elements for list of databadges

To improve accessibility and semantic structure, it is recommended to use <ul> and <li> elements instead of <div> and <span> elements for the lists of databadges in each Card element. This approach provides a clearer structure for screen readers and other assistive technologies, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the content.

Benefits of Using ul and li elements

Using <ul> and <li> elements offers several benefits, including:

Improved accessibility: Screen readers and other assistive technologies can more easily understand the structure of the content, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate.
Better semantic structure: The use of <ul> and <li> elements provides a clearer indication of the relationship between the list items, making it easier for developers to maintain and update the code.
Enhanced user experience: By providing a clear and consistent structure, users can more easily understand the content and navigate the page.

Example of Correct Implementation

<ul class="utrecht-data-badge-list">
  <li class="utrecht-data-badge">
    <span class="utrecht-data-badge-label">REST/JSON</span>
  </li>
  <li class="utrecht-data-badge">
    <span class="utrecht-data-badge-label">GraphQL</span>
  </li>
  <li class="utrecht-data-badge">
    <span class="utrecht-data-badge-label">SOAP</span>
  </li>
</ul>

In this example, the <ul> element is used to create a list of databadges, and the <li> elements are used to define each individual list item. This approach provides a clear and semantic structure for the content, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate and for developers to maintain and update the code.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using <div> and <span> elements for list of databadges in card elements can lead to accessibility issues and make the code more difficult to maintain. By using <ul> and <li> elements instead, developers can improve accessibility, provide a better semantic structure, and enhance the user experience. The Zoek API's Template, a design system for the Dutch government, provides a set of guidelines for developers to follow, and by following these guidelines, developers can create more accessible and semantic structures.

Recommendations for Future Development

To further improve the accessibility and semantic structure of the Zoek API's Template, the following recommendations are made:

Use <ul> and <li> elements consistently: Throughout the template, use <ul> and <li> elements to create lists of databadges, rather than <div> and <span> elements.
Provide clear and consistent structure: Ensure that the structure of the content is clear and consistent, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate and for developers to maintain and update the code.
Test for accessibility: Regularly test the template for accessibility issues, using tools such as screen readers and other assistive technologies, to ensure that the content is accessible to all users.

By following these recommendations, developers can create more accessible and semantic structures, improving the user experience and making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the content.
Frequently Asked Questions: Using div and span elements for list of databadges in card elements

In the previous article, we discussed the importance of using <ul> and <li> elements instead of <div> and <span> elements for list of databadges in card elements. However, we understand that you may still have some questions about this topic. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about using <ul> and <li> elements for list of databadges.

Q: Why should I use <ul> and <li> elements instead of <div> and <span> elements?

A: Using <ul> and <li> elements instead of <div> and <span> elements provides a clearer structure for screen readers and other assistive technologies, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the content. It also provides a better semantic structure, making it easier for developers to maintain and update the code.

Q: What are the benefits of using <ul> and <li> elements?

A: The benefits of using <ul> and <li> elements include:

Improved accessibility: Screen readers and other assistive technologies can more easily understand the structure of the content, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate.
Better semantic structure: The use of <ul> and <li> elements provides a clearer indication of the relationship between the list items, making it easier for developers to maintain and update the code.
Enhanced user experience: By providing a clear and consistent structure, users can more easily understand the content and navigate the page.

Q: How do I implement <ul> and <li> elements in my code?

A: To implement <ul> and <li> elements in your code, you can use the following example:

<ul class="utrecht-data-badge-list">
  <li class="utrecht-data-badge">
    <span class="utrecht-data-badge-label">REST/JSON</span>
  </li>
  <li class="utrecht-data-badge">
    <span class="utrecht-data-badge-label">GraphQL</span>
  </li>
  <li class="utrecht-data-badge">
    <span class="utrecht-data-badge-label">SOAP</span>
  </li>
</ul>

Q: Can I use <div> and <span> elements if I have a complex layout?

A: While it may be tempting to use <div> and <span> elements for complex layouts, it is generally recommended to use <ul> and <li> elements instead. This is because <ul> and <li> elements provide a clearer structure for screen readers and other assistive technologies, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the content.

Q: How do I test for accessibility issues?

A: To test for accessibility issues, you can use a variety of tools, including:

Screen readers: Screen readers can help you identify accessibility issues by reading the content aloud.
Accessibility checkers: Accessibility checkers can help you identify accessibility issues by analyzing the code.
User testing: User testing can help you identify accessibility issues by having users with disabilities test the content.

Q: What are some best practices for using <ul> and <li> elements?

A: Some best practices for using <ul> and <li> elements include:

Use <ul> and <li> elements consistently: Throughout the template, use <ul> and <li> elements to create lists of databadges, rather than <div> and <span> elements.
Provide clear and consistent structure: Ensure that the structure of the content is clear and consistent, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate and for developers to maintain and update the code.
Test for accessibility: Regularly test the template for accessibility issues, using tools such as screen readers and other assistive technologies, to ensure that the content is accessible to all users.

By following these best practices and using <ul> and <li> elements instead of <div> and <span> elements, you can create more accessible and semantic structures, improving the user experience and making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the content.