Enhancing Accessibility Across UX: A Crucial Imperative [Infographic]

Katelynn Varrige 1m 312

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

In today’s world, the Internet is indispensable, serving myriad purposes from professional tasks to leisure activities. However, not everyone enjoys equal access to its benefits. For individuals with disabilities, the user experience (UX) often falls short, depriving them of opportunities that others take for granted.

Despite constituting a significant portion of the global population—16% to be precise—adults with disabilities encounter barriers on numerous websites and digital platforms. Shockingly, even though 75% of disabled Americans use the Internet daily, they encounter obstacles that hinder their online experience.

To bridge this gap and ensure inclusivity, various strategies must be employed by marketers, developers, and other stakeholders. This includes prioritizing inclusive content creation, refining website design elements, and investing in accessible architecture tailored to diverse disabilities.

One effective approach within interface design is simplifying interactive elements. Complex features and excessive animations can alienate users, particularly those relying on assistive technologies like screen readers or specialized keyboards. Hence, designs should prioritize clarity, intuitiveness, and compatibility with touch devices.

What does simplicity entail? It involves adhering to certain principles, such as avoiding information hidden behind hover interactions, ensuring flexible dimensions, and refraining from relying solely on color for conveying crucial details. Conversely, best practices include ensuring autoplay videos are accessible and enabling zoom functions without compromising content quality.

Similarly, content creators must consider accessibility when crafting copy. Certain fonts and styles may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities or their assistive tools. Thus, it’s vital to steer clear of ornate scripts or decorative elements that hinder readability.

Another critical aspect is the scannability of UX. Users, including those with accessibility needs, should easily extract pertinent information. Hence, designing content for quick comprehension benefits all users, fostering a positive UX.

For deeper insights into digital accessibility and UX enhancement, refer to the accompanying resource for comprehensive guidance.

Resources

https://atendesigngroup.com/articles/6-guidelines-accessible-website-design

https://atendesigngroup.com/articles/guide-accessible-user-experience

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