Accessible Technology Designers A Guide to Creating Inclusive Digital Products

Accessible Technology Designers A Guide to Creating Inclusive Digital Products

As an Accessible Technology Designer, you understand the importance of crafting digital products that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of designing and developing accessible technology products, providing practical tips and examples along the way.

Step 1 Understanding Accessibility Principles

Before embarking on your design journey, it's essential to grasp the fundamental principles of accessibility in digital products. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) defines accessibility as the ability for people with disabilities to access and use information, communication, and technologies. Familiarize yourself with the W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, a comprehensive resource that provides guidance on creating accessible digital products.

Step 2 Conducting an Accessibility Audit

To identify potential barriers and areas for improvement, conduct a thorough accessibility audit before designing your product. Here are some actionable tips to get you started

Utilize the W3C's WebAIM tool to test your website or application for accessibility issues.
Perform a manual review of your product using assistive technologies like screen readers, magnification software, and keyboard-only navigation.
Identify complex layouts, lack of alternative text, or poor color contrast that may hinder user experience.

Step 3 Designing Accessible Interfaces

When designing your product's interface, keep the following accessibility principles in mind

Use clear and consistent design elements, such as typography, colors, and layout, to promote usability.
Ensure that all interactive elements are accessible using a keyboard (e.g., buttons, links, and form fields) to accommodate users with mobility impairments.
Provide alternative text for images and icons to aid users with visual impairments.

Step 4 Writing Accessible Content

When crafting content for your product, adhere to the following accessibility principles

Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to users.
Provide alternative text for images and icons to aid users with visual impairments.
Ensure that all content is accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Step 5 Developing Accessible Code

When developing code for your product, keep the following accessibility principles in mind

Use semantic HTML structure to provide a clear hierarchy of content, making it easier for users with visual impairments to navigate.
Avoid using deprecated or outdated technologies (e.g., Flash) that may hinder user experience.
Ensure that all interactive elements are accessible using a keyboard (e.g., buttons, links, and form fields) to accommodate users with mobility impairments.

Step 6 Testing and Iterating

The final step in the process is testing your product for accessibility and iterating based on feedback. Here are some actionable tips to get you started

Utilize automated testing tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify potential accessibility issues.
Conduct manual testing using assistive technologies like screen readers, magnification software, and keyboard-only navigation.
Gather feedback from users with disabilities and iterate on your product based on that feedback.

Conclusion

By following these steps and incorporating accessibility principles into your design process, you can create digital products that are inclusive and usable by everyone. Remember to continuously test and iterate based on feedback to ensure that your product remains accessible over time.

Bonus Tip Don't forget to include a vestige of accessibility in your product – a subtle reminder that your product is designed with accessibility in mind. For example, you could include an Accessibility Statement or provide resources for users who need assistance.

By incorporating these tips and best practices into your workflow, you'll be well on your way to creating accessible technology products that benefit everyone.

Keywords Accessible Technology Designers, Digital Products, Accessibility, WCAG 2.1, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WebAIM, Screen Readers, Magnification Software, Keyboard-Only Navigation, Alternative Text, Inclusive Design, User-Centered Design, Assistive Technologies

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.