Last updated: Mar 9, 2025
Accessibility Evaluation
Accessibility evaluation ensures that digital products are usable by people of all abilities while also meeting compliance standards. This method helps uncover barriers that affect real users and improve overall usability for everyone. A combination of automated tools, expert reviews, and real-world testing with assistive technology users provides a comprehensive assessment. The process often starts with automated scans to catch common issues, but manual testing is essential for evaluating more nuanced aspects like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and cognitive load. Real user feedback is invaluable, as no amount of automation can fully replicate the lived experience of someone relying on assistive technology. Although accessibility testing can seem technical and intimidating, it is important to take steps, even small changes, to improve usability for all users.
Research Classification
Research Type
Behavioral: Focuses on what people do: their actual behaviors and actions.
Data Type
Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
Requirements
Budget
mediumModerate investment needed
Timeline
medium2-4 weeks
Team Size
smallWorks with 2-3 people
Research Goals
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Ensures inclusive design for all users regardless of ability
- ✓ Reduces legal risks and potential compliance issues
- ✓ Combines automated tools with manual expert testing for comprehensive coverage
- ✓ Builds empathy and understanding of diverse user needs
Cons
- × Requires specialized knowledge of accessibility standards and assistive technologie, BUT, this can be learned and always improved on
- × Full compliance can be challenging, especially for complex applications. Full compliance isn't necessary for all products, but it is a good goal to strive for
- × May require significant remediation for existing products, resulting in reinvestment of time and resources
- × Testing with actual users with disabilities is ideal but can be difficult to recruit for
Use Cases
Example Scenario
A company is preparing to launch a new web-based internal collaboration tool designed for remote teams. Before release, they need to ensure the platform is accessible to users with visual, motor, auditory, and cognitive disabilities. The evaluation aims to identify barriers, ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA, and improve usability for all users. The team conducts an accessibility evaluation, including automated scans, manual expert reviews, and real-world testing with employees, including some who use assistive technology and others who have varying needs (e.g., high contrast, large text). They address issues such as color contrast, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and form validation. The process results in a more inclusive product that meets legal requirements and enhances the overall collaboration across the organization.
Additional Applications
- • WCAG 2.2 AA compliance audit
- • Screen reader compatibility testing
- • Keyboard navigation and focus management evaluation
- • Color contrast and text readability analysis
- • Form validation and error handling assessment