Visual and accessibility tests can add a lot of value, but only if they are applied intentionally. A clear strategy helps you decide where to use screenshots, where to run a11y scans and how to keep the signal strong as the suite grows.
Planning Visual and Accessibility Coverage
Start by mapping critical user journeys and high-visibility pages, then decide which ones need visual baselines, a11y checks or both. You do not need to visual-test every page; target places where regressions matter most.
Example plan:
- Login and signup pages: a11y + component-level screenshots
- Home and category pages: a11y + selected visual regions
- Checkout flow: a11y + full-step screenshots for key states
- Admin tools: a11y focus first, visual tests only for complex widgetsOver time, refine your strategy based on where you see real defects and regressions appearing, and adjust coverage to match.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1 — Treating visual and a11y tests as an afterthought
This delays important feedback.
❌ Wrong: Adding a few screenshots at the end of a project without integrating them into CI.
✅ Correct: Plan visual and a11y coverage alongside functional and performance tests.
Mistake 2 — Failing to maintain baselines and rules
This leads to drift.
❌ Wrong: Accepting diffs blindly or disabling checks when they start failing.
✅ Correct: Curate baselines, adjust thresholds when needed and keep rules up to date.