Which design elements ensure usability for people with disabilities?

Accessibility features are tailored functionalities and design elements that make digital content and interfaces usable for individuals with disabilities. This includes a wide range of tools and practices, such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, alt text for images, voice recognition software, and captions for audio and video content. The integration of accessibility features into design ensures that users with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility impairments can effectively interact with technology, thereby improving their overall experience and fostering inclusivity.

In terms of the other options, design patterns refer to conventional solutions in UI/UX design; while they improve usability, they do not specifically target accessibility needs. User engagement metrics might provide insight into how users interact with an application but do not inherently address usability for disabilities. Color contrast ratios, although important for visibility, are only one aspect of accessibility features and do not encompass the broader range of needs that accessibility features directly address. Therefore, focusing on accessibility features is essential to ensure a truly inclusive design.