1. Inconsistent Keyboard Navigation Across Interfaces

Even top-tier web apps and platforms often break keyboard navigation when introducing new UI components or redesigns.
Common issues include:

• focus getting trapped inside widgets

• missing skip links

• inaccessible mega-menus

• JavaScript components that cannot be operated by keyboard

Insight: Complex UIs tend to break accessibility fastest, especially when shipped quickly.

2. Low-Contrast UI Elements and “Minimalist” Design Errors

Many modern design systems prioritize aesthetics over clarity, resulting in:

• low-contrast buttons

• thin text weights

• faint outlines

• subtle hover/focus states

These styles harm users with low vision and violate WCAG 2.1/2.2 contrast rules.
Even big design teams get this wrong.

3. Incorrect or Missing ALT Text in Dynamic Media

Large platforms often generate or load content dynamically, which can lead to:

• missing ALT attributes

• incorrect automated ALT text

• meaningless descriptions

• decorative images labeled incorrectly

This becomes especially problematic in e-commerce, social feeds, and SaaS dashboards.

4. Inaccessible Custom Components and ARIA Misuse

Big Tech loves custom UI. Unfortunately, custom = high risk for accessibility failures.
Frequent issues include:

• ARIA roles used incorrectly

• components not announced by screen readers

• sliders, tabs, and modals missing semantic logic

• inconsistent behavior across browsers

Fact: Many “custom-coded” components break accessibility more than native HTML ever would.

5. Poor Video & Multimedia Accessibility

Even leading tech companies often fail to:

• provide accurate captions

• include transcripts

• make video players fully keyboard-accessible

• add audio descriptions for visual content

As video becomes the dominant content format, this problem is growing—not shrinking.

Conclusion

Accessibility problems aren’t limited to small businesses. Even the biggest companies—despite money, staffing, and technology—still struggle with core compliance requirements.
The good news? By avoiding the mistakes Big Tech continues to make, your organization can stand out as more inclusive, more compliant, and more user-friendly.

Want to know if your site has accessibility issues? Get a free ADA & WCAG compliance check today.