Explore WP Engine's Crafted with Code 2024: A Showcase of Design and AccessibilityTable of ContentsIntroductionThe Significance of Crafted with Code 2024Showcased Projects: A Closer LookThe Importance of Design and AccessibilityHow to Make Your Website AccessibleConclusion: A Year of Inspiration AheadFAQIntroductionIn today's digital age, a well-designed website isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. The Webbys, a prestigious award ceremony that honors online excellence, recognizes this. For the past five years, WP Engine has partnered with The Webbys to present the Crafted with Code showcase, spotlighting the best in web design and accessibility. This year's showcase is particularly noteworthy as it features projects exclusively built on WordPress, the world’s favorite open-source platform. The collaboration aims to inspire the next generation of creators to develop Webby Award-worthy websites using the most flexible and powerful CMS available.So, what makes an award-winning WordPress website? Why is accessibility equally as important as design? This blog post dives deep into this year's Crafted with Code showcase, revealing the stories behind some of the most beautifully designed and highly accessible websites. By the end, you'll understand why these sites stand out and how you can apply similar principles to your projects.The Significance of Crafted with Code 2024Crafted with Code 2024 is about more than aesthetics; it's about offering seamless user experiences. This year's showcase includes websites that balance style with functionality, making them not only beautiful but also accessible to all users. Over the course of the year, the showcase will be released in three phases, each focusing on a different theme: design and accessibility, high performance, and cutting-edge innovation in WordPress.Phase 1: Design and AccessibilityThe first phase of the Crafted with Code showcase highlights websites known for exceptional design and accessibility. These projects are the perfect blend of visual appeal and user-friendly functionality, making them a joy to navigate.Phase 2 and 3: Performance and InnovationLater this summer, the second phase will feature websites with outstanding performance metrics. The final phase, expected in the fall, will present sites that push the boundaries of what’s possible with WordPress, showcasing innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology.Showcased Projects: A Closer LookGuild by AthleticsThe platform Guild aims to remove financial barriers to education, enhancing the career growth of professionals across America. This project, built by the agency Athletics, perfectly embodies the synergy of design and accessibility. The website effectively promotes the services of Guild, offering an intuitive interface that connects users to educational resources and coaching.Key Features:Accessible design: Ensures that users of all abilities can navigate the siteIntuitive interface: Facilitates easy interaction with Guild's offeringsHigh-performance metrics: Quick loading times and seamless navigationSEGD by Wide EyeThe Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) needed a platform that not only represents its historical significance but also entices new members. Wide Eye developed an award-winning website that delivers on these requirements while maintaining a perfect accessibility score.Key Features:User directory: Allows visitors to find individual members, design firms, and suppliersFlexible hero header: Can switch between a static image and other mediaMembers-only content: Restricted access features for logged-in membersBRIC Arts & Media by BellweatherSince 1979, BRIC has been a cornerstone in Brooklyn's cultural and media landscape. Their new site, crafted by Bellweather, is a Webby Award-winning masterpiece available in eleven languages. It features a responsive design that ensures seamless navigation across devices.Key Features:Multilingual support: Available in eleven languages for a diverse audienceResponsive calendar: Simple and effective way to view upcoming eventsMobile optimization: Ensures smooth user experience on all devicesTravel by Design by MarriottMarriott's Travel by Design offers an in-depth look at the architectural marvels behind their luxurious hotels. The website features vibrant photography and engaging short films, all designed to inspire travel aficionados.Key Features:High-quality visual content: Engaging photos and films to captivate visitorsFlawless performance: Quick loading times ensure a smooth browsing experienceInspirational storytelling: Showcases the design stories behind Marriott hotelsThe Importance of Design and AccessibilityDesign and accessibility often go hand-in-hand; a well-designed site is likely to be more accessible. However, what do we mean by accessibility ? Essentially, it's about making sure that everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can use the website effectively. This involves:Screen reader compatibility: Ensuring that all the content is easily readable by screen readers for visually impaired users.Keyboard navigation: Ensuring that users can navigate the site without a mouse, using only keyboard shortcuts.Alt text for images: Providing descriptions for images to aid visually impaired users.High contrast designs: Making sure that text and background colors have enough contrast to be easily readable.How to Make Your Website AccessibleIf you're looking to make your WordPress site more accessible, here are a few tips:Use Semantic HTML: Semantic HTML tags like , , and provide context to screen readers.Install Accessibility Plugins: Plugins like WP Accessibility and Accessibility Widget can add essential accessibility features to your site.Alt Text for Images: Always include alt text for images to describe what they show. This helps screen readers to convey the information to visually impaired users.High Contrast: Use high contrast colors for text and backgrounds to make the website readable for everyone.Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that users can navigate your site using the keyboard alone. Test this by trying to navigate your own site without a mouse.Conclusion: A Year of Inspiration AheadThe Crafted with Code showcase by WP Engine and The Webbys is a celebration of what’s possible in web design and accessibility. By exploring the stories behind this year’s featured projects, we gain valuable insights into crafting sites that are not only beautiful but also highly functional and accessible.As the year progresses, stay tuned for the subsequent phases focusing on high performance and innovative WordPress solutions. Regardless of your role in web development—be it designer, developer, or project manager—there's a wealth of inspiration to be found in these award-winning projects.Embrace the principles showcased this year and aim to create your own Webby-worthy websites. After all, great design coupled with high accessibility is the key to an engaging, successful online presence.FAQWhat is the Crafted with Code showcase?The Crafted with Code showcase is a digital exhibition organized by WP Engine in partnership with The Webbys. It highlights award-winning websites built on WordPress, focusing on design, accessibility, performance, and innovation.How can I make my WordPress site more accessible?To make your WordPress site more accessible, use semantic HTML, install accessibility plugins, provide alt text for images, ensure high contrast in design, and enable keyboard navigation.Why is accessibility important in web design?Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can use your website effectively. It’s not only a moral responsibility but also has legal implications and enhances overall user experience.Can I explore previous Crafted with Code showcases?Yes, you can explore previous showcases on the WP Engine website. Each year’s showcase offers unique insights into the development of award-winning websites.Who can benefit from the Crafted with Code showcase?Anyone involved in web development—designers, developers, project managers, and even business owners looking to overhaul their online presence—can benefit from the insights and inspiration provided by the showcase.Stay tuned to WP Engine’s blog for more updates and deep dives into future editions of the Crafted with Code showcase.Embrace the world of WordPress like never before with the tools and insights from industry-leading experts. Ready to build your own remarkable WordPress experience? Contact WP Engine today and join the 1.5 million websites that trust us as their hosting provider.