Making Digital QR Menus Accessible: Screen Readers, Motor Impairments, and Older Adults

1. WCAG 2.1 AA Requirements

A QR-linked menu is a web page and must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA. Key requirements: sufficient colour contrast (4.5:1), keyboard navigability, screen reader compatibility, and resizable text without horizontal scrolling.

2. Screen Reader Compatibility

Use semantic HTML: proper heading hierarchy, labelled form fields, and alt text on dish images. Avoid CSS-only decorations that carry meaning without accessible equivalents.

3. Motor Impairment Considerations

Large tap targets (minimum 44 × 44 px), no hover-only interactions, and sticky navigation reduce difficulty for users with limited hand mobility or tremor.

4. Older Adults

Offer a plain text version of the menu with larger default font size. Avoid auto-playing media, pop-ups on first load, and excessive animation. A simple, high-contrast design serves all ages.

5. Paper Alternative

Provide a printed menu option on request. Accessibility includes patrons who cannot or choose not to use a smartphone. Train staff to offer this without making the patron feel singled out.