How is accessibility addressed during application re-design?
Accessibility Planning and Guidelines
- Accessibility goals are defined during the early planning phase of the redesign.
- Compliance with recognized accessibility standards is incorporated into requirements.
- Accessibility is prioritized as a core user experience component, not an afterthought.
- Diverse user needs, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments, are considered.
- Documentation includes accessibility requirements for every screen, feature, and flow.
Inclusive Design and User Experience
- Design elements use sufficient contrast ratios for readability.
- Font sizes, button spacing, and layout structures are optimized for clarity and ease of use.
- Interface navigation is simplified to reduce complexity for all user types.
- Color is never the sole method of conveying important information.
- Responsive layouts accommodate assistive technologies and screen sizes.
Keyboard and Navigation Support
- All interactive elements are made accessible using keyboard navigation.
- Focus states are clearly visible for tabs, buttons, and form inputs.
- Logical tab order ensures smooth movement across the interface.
- Skip navigation links are provided to bypass repetitive content.
- Keyboard shortcuts or enhancements are tested for functionality and usability.
Screen Reader and Assistive Technology Compatibility
- Semantic HTML tags and ARIA roles describe elements for screen readers.
- Labels and instructions are provided for all form fields and interactive components.
- Dynamic content updates are announced properly to assistive devices.
- Hidden elements are appropriately managed to avoid confusion.
- Error messages and confirmations are clearly announced and visible.
Testing and Validation
- Accessibility audits are conducted using automated tools and manual reviews.
- Usability testing includes participants with diverse accessibility needs.
- Issues identified during testing are logged and addressed in development sprints.
- Regular reviews ensure continued compliance as features evolve.
- Post-launch monitoring includes accessibility support and user feedback channels.
