performance-accessibility

Performance and Accessibility Guidelines

Performance Optimization

Image Optimization

• Always use Next.js Image component from next/image
• Optimize images before adding to public/ directory
• Use appropriate image formats (WebP, AVIF when possible)
• Add proper alt attributes for accessibility
• Use priority prop for above-the-fold images

import Image from 'next/image';

// Optimized image usage
<Image
  src="/blog/images/cover.jpg"
  alt="Descriptive alt text for screen readers"
  width={800}
  height={400}
  priority // For above-the-fold images
  className="rounded-lg"
/>

Static Generation

• Prefer Server Components over Client Components
• Use static generation for blog content
• Minimize JavaScript bundle size
• Implement proper caching strategies

Code Splitting

• Dynamic imports for heavy components
• Lazy load non-critical components
• Use React.memo for expensive components

// Dynamic import example
const HeavyComponent = dynamic(() => import('./HeavyComponent'), {
  loading: () => <div>Loading...</div>,
  ssr: false // If component doesn't need SSR
});

Accessibility (a11y) Standards

Semantic HTML

• Use proper heading hierarchy (h1 → h2 → h3)
• Use semantic elements (article, section, nav, main)
• Ensure proper document structure
• Use landmarks for navigation

ARIA Attributes

• Add aria-label for actions without text
• Use aria-describedby for additional context
• Implement aria-expanded for collapsible content
• Add role attributes when semantic HTML isn't sufficient

// Accessible button example
<button
  aria-label="Close modal"
  aria-expanded={isOpen}
  onClick={closeModal}
  className="p-2 rounded-md focus:ring-2 focus:ring-blue-500"
>
  <CloseIcon aria-hidden="true" />
</button>

Focus Management

• Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
• Implement visible focus indicators
• Manage focus for modals and dropdowns
• Use proper tab order