Book Review 2024 – Inclusive Components

As the year draws to a close, I had the pleasure of delving into Inclusive Components by Heydon Pickering for December’s read. Originally published in July 2021, this book remains a cornerstone for accessibility professionals, offering detailed guidance on crafting accessible UI components. Heydon’s ability to blend technical insights with practical examples makes this book an invaluable resource for developers at all levels.

What I Loved About the Book

What stood out most to me was the depth of each chapter. Heydon takes time to meticulously break down common UI patterns, exploring multiple scenarios and providing comprehensive code examples. His patterns are not only well-explained but also illustrated with thoughtful scenarios that reflect real-world user needs. As a seasoned engineer, I found the level of detail refreshing and inspiring.

My Critiques

That said, I found myself skimming over patterns I’m already very familiar with, such as buttons and forms. While Heydon’s approach is thorough, I felt some sections could have been summarized more succinctly to accommodate readers with varying experience levels. Another area I’d love to see expanded in a second edition is the inclusion of additional patterns. For instance more guidance on:‍

• Infinite Scrolling or Load More Pagination
• Accessible Date Pickers
• Drag-and-Drop Interfaces

Missing the Print Version

One disappointment this month was the lack of a print version. I love curling up with a physical book, feeling the pages as I read, and fully immersing myself in the content. While the eBook version is excellent for searching and referencing online, it just doesn’t replicate the tangible experience of a paperback. Here’s hoping Inclusive Components makes its way back into print someday. If it does, you can find it on Smashing Magazine’s website.

Final Thoughts

Inclusive Components is a must-read for anyone serious about creating accessible web interfaces. It’s rich with practical knowledge and actionable insights that will elevate your understanding of inclusive design. If you haven’t already, you can explore the book further on Heydon Pickering’s official website.

I look forward to seeing what Heydon might bring to a potential second edition—this book deserves to grow and adapt, just like the accessibility field itself. Thank you, Heydon, for your contribution to inclusive design and for inspiring us to keep creating better, more accessible digital experiences.

Here’s to more learning, growth, and a few more page-turners in 2025!