While I am not a UX Designer, I have worked with multiple designers and my background is in Human-Computer Interaction with a focus on accessibility. Multiple techniques can be used to improve user accessibility and one the best ones is to address the most common issues found within products like keyboard navigation issues, focus order, and color contrast, and ensure all user inputs are accessible for the users. (Provide multiple forms of user input to provide equitable access) In a recent project with Zoo Atlanta, where we were working on creating an equitable experience for users with visual impairments, we found that different users based on their lived experiences and disability have a preferred method of interacting with technology. The biggest technique we used to improve accessibility was to remove barriers to access through multiple input modalities. Different users prefer to interact in varied ways - whether they prefer conversational AI to talk through their preferences, speak to an actual person, or complete a form online. We provide all 3 ways for user input which improved the accessibility for our overall user experience.
As a CEO of Startup House, I always encourage our UX designers to put themselves in the shoes of the users. One technique that has worked wonders for us is conducting user testing with individuals who have varying levels of tech-savviness. By observing how different users interact with our product, we are able to identify pain points and make necessary adjustments to improve accessibility. Remember, the key to great UX design is empathy and continuous iteration based on real user feedback.
Absolutely. One technique we've implemented is 'inclusive design sprints'. These sprints include people with a range of disabilities throughout the design process. This direct input helps ensure our digital products are genuinely accessible from the ground up. Another impactful change? We've enhanced keyboard navigation. Users can smoothly tab through elements, crucial for those who can't use a mouse. It's about creating a seamless experience for everyone. We also conduct rigorous A/B testing with accessibility in mind. We're not just guessing what works; we're using data to validate our designs. It’s about making informed decisions that benefit all users. Lastly, we’ve prioritized plain language. Clear, concise content is imperative. Whether it's button labels or instruction text, if it’s easy to understand, it’s more accessible. Period.
In a recent overhaul of our website, we worked closely with our UX designers to implement a more accessible color scheme and font sizes, catering to users with visual impairments. Additionally, we incorporated keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility to ensure our site is navigable for users with different abilities. These changes significantly improved our site's usability and accessibility, making our products more reachable to a wider audience.