Creating a Perceivable Digital Experience: Beyond the Basics
In today’s digital-first world, accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. Ensuring your website or app is perceivable is one of the cornerstones of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and is critical for creating inclusive experiences. “Perceivable” means that users, regardless of ability, can access and process information presented on your platform. While many organizations focus on the basics—such as adding alt text to images or ensuring readable fonts—going beyond these fundamentals can make a significant difference in empowering users with disabilities. In this blog, we’ll explore advanced strategies to create a truly perceivable digital experience, focusing on practical steps, real-world examples, and the interconnected nature of accessibility strategies.
1. Integrate Multimedia Accessibility
Multimedia content, such as videos and animations, is often central to modern web design. However, these elements can present significant challenges for users with disabilities unless designed with accessibility in mind. One advanced strategy is incorporating ARIA live regions to provide dynamic updates for screen reader users. For instance, if a website uses a live news feed, ARIA live regions can ensure that updates are announced without requiring users to refresh the page manually.
Another best practice is ensuring that video players support captions and audio descriptions. Captions benefit users who are deaf or hard of hearing, while audio descriptions help those who are blind or have low vision better understand visual details in a video. Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo provide built-in tools for adding captions, but for custom platforms, this functionality must be a priority in the development process.
2. Anticipate Diverse User Scenarios
Users with disabilities interact with digital content in varied ways. Anticipating user needs—such as those with low vision, color blindness, or cognitive disabilities—can help you design content that works for everyone. For example, individuals with low vision may rely on screen magnifiers or high-contrast settings. To accommodate this, ensure your website supports text resizing without breaking the layout and provides sufficient contrast between text and background colors.
For users with color blindness, relying solely on color to convey information can create barriers. A classic example is a form error message highlighted in red without additional indicators. Instead, supplement color with text or icons, such as an error message that reads “Required field” alongside a red outline.
Anticipating these scenarios during the design phase can prevent costly retrofitting later and ensure a smoother experience for all users.
3. Test with Assistive Technology
No matter how well-designed your platform appears, testing with assistive technologies is essential to uncover gaps in perceivability. Tools such as screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), voice recognition software, and switch devices allow you to evaluate how users with disabilities experience your content. For example, does your website’s navigation structure make sense when read aloud by a screen reader? Can users relying on keyboard navigation easily access all interactive elements?
Beyond in-house testing, consider partnering with users who rely on assistive technologies in their daily lives. Their feedback can provide invaluable insights into areas of improvement and ensure that your perceivable strategies align with real-world needs.
Accessibility Is a Shared Responsibility
Creating a perceivable digital experience isn’t just about meeting compliance standards; it’s about building an inclusive digital world where everyone can engage equally. By integrating multimedia accessibility, anticipating diverse user needs, and rigorously testing with assistive technologies, you can take your accessibility efforts beyond the basics and make a lasting impact.
Call to Action:
Don’t wait to make accessibility a priority in your projects. Commit to creating a perceivable digital experience today—because inclusive design benefits everyone. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your strategies, every step toward accessibility is a step toward a more equitable digital future.