The term digital accessibility describes how technology is created so that anybody may use it, regardless of their physical or mental limitations. This comprises digital assets such as software, hardware, video, music, and websites that use electronic documents. Technology is used by a wide range of people, thus it is accessible to everyone, including those with visual, hearing, neurological, motor, physical, and intellectual impairments.
It is crucial that everyone has access to digital items as technology continues to permeate every aspect of our life. So what kind of example of an accessible product may satisfy our current technology needs?
What is Accessible Technology Design?
The goal of digital accessibility is to provide solutions that enable anybody, regardless of age or physical limitations, to utilize a program, website, or app. But it is not only about making digital items accessible to people with impairments. It is vital to worry about whether they are enjoying themselves.
As a result, from the very beginning of a project, inclusion needs to be considered while designing products and services. Accessible websites not only have the ability to attract clients with disabilities, but they may also benefit all of your visitors by being more user-friendly and efficient.
Addressing the various needs of a wide range of consumers is necessary to accomplish this. One of the main responsibilities of a UX designer is to do this. The designs created by UI and UX designers are not based on the designers’ own requirements. Instead, they take into account the requirements of various user groups and include them all in the design. By doing this, a service or setting is produced that anybody may utilize and from which anyone can gain.
Why is Digital Accessibility Important
Everyone should be included in democratic accessibility. Be aware that even those who do not have impairments may go through a transitory situation that necessitates the use of more accessible items.
A broken hand or limb, eye surgery, or even a severe migraine are examples of temporary limitations. Many people, including older adults, who could have visual or hearing issues or even persons who just lack computer literacy, may not even be considered to have disabilities.
In this sense, maintaining different types of accessibility is crucial for growing your business, differentiating your organization, reaching more customers, and setting an example of an accessible product. Therefore, keep the following factors in mind the next time you think about accessibility:
Environment
Consider both quiet and loud settings when considering the circumstances in which people will use your product;
Physical and Mental Health
Including any impairment that may be permanent, temporary, or mental health issues like anxiety;
Devices
Whether on a pc or a mobile device, interface responsiveness is crucial to delivering a pleasurable experience.
How to Increase the Accessibility of Products?
Clear usability guidelines, consistent UX and UI design, and effective accessibility go hand in hand. By considering the user’s surroundings and circumstances, UX designers adapt the product to the demands of the consumer. As a result, there are very specific standards now for what makes an application usable.
But how can we evaluate a product’s accessibility to define which is the most crucial?
W3C Standard
The W3C standards make it simpler for digital developers to create universally accessible software and websites. While there are exceptions, we nearly always create in accordance with these guidelines, and we advise our clients to do the same when creating their goods. Here are some examples of adjustments you may do to increase for your product.
Color Contrast
Reading something you can hardly see is taxing, and certain stuff may become virtually unintelligible. Therefore, the program is simpler to use with higher contrast.
Size of Controls
The ease with which users, including those without physical limitations, can engage with the controls depends on their size. For instance, if two buttons are too small or too near to one another, it is simple for the user to click the incorrect one, which frustrates them.
Conclusion
These examples demonstrate that every user is impacted by digital accessibility, not online a tiny number of users. According to our experience, a product’s surroundings and short-term and situational drawbacks can never be entirely eliminated. Making sure this part of your design is perfect will directly affect customers’ needs, which will directly affect sales.