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Optimising Accessibility of Banking Websites

 

 

Optimising Accessibility of Banking Websites 

banking

Brief Description of Project: 

The banking website encompasses creating an online platform for a financial institution, facilitating convenient and secure access to a range of banking services and products for customers. This includes account management, fund transfers, bill payments, loan applications, investment management, and customer support services. The goal is to develop a seamless and user-friendly digital banking experience, empowering customers to manage their finances efficiently from anywhere with internet access.      
 

Sector : Internal Communication  

Refers to the department within a bank facilitating effective communication and coordination among organizational divisions, ensuring smooth operations and alignment of goals.

Problem Statement:  

The banking websites faced accessibility challenges, hindering users with disabilities from accessing banking services. Common issues included:

  • Insufficient Color Contrast: Text and background elements do not meet accessibility standards, impacting readability, especially for users with visual impairments.
  • Ambiguous Link Styling: Links lack clear visual differentiation, making it difficult for users to identify interactive elements within the content. 
  • Incorrect Tab Order: The sequence in which elements receive focus via keyboard navigation does not correspond with the logical flow of the webpage, causing navigation challenges for keyboard users. 
  • Lack of Keyboard Accessibility: Certain interactive controls cannot be accessed or operated using keyboard commands, restricting accessibility for users who rely on keyboard navigation. 
      

All these problems combined create barriers for individuals with disabilities, such as those with blindness, low vision, locomotor disability, and intellectual disability — preventing them from fully engaging with the Banking services. The average accessibility compliance score for banking websites was 35.00 %. 
 


Solution Statement :

We have performed testing on banking websites applications and reported 80 plus accessibility violations which lowers the compliance score. Our development team fixed those issues, thereby ensuring an inclusive user experience for individuals with disabilities, including those with blindness, low vision, locomotor disability, and intellectual disability. 

Our actions included:

  • Improving Color Contrast: Enhance the contrast between text and background elements to meet accessibility standards, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments. 
  • Clear Link Styling: Implement distinct visual cues for links to improve their visibility and enable users to easily identify interactive elements within the content. 
  • Consistent Tab Order: Adjust the tabbing sequence to align with the logical flow of the webpage, facilitating smooth navigation for keyboard users. 
  • Enhanced Keyboard Accessibility: Modify interactive controls to make them accessible and operable via keyboard commands, providing an inclusive browsing experience for all users, including those relying on keyboard navigation. 
     

These changes have greatly improved the banking website, making it easier for everyone to use. We've worked to ensure that people with disabilities can access online banking platforms just like anyone else. These upgrades have created a friendlier and more accessible experience for everyone who visits the website. 
  
 


Methods and Tools:

  • Automated Accessibility Testing Tools (e.g., axe, WAVE)
  • Manual Testing by Accessibility Specialists
  • Assistive Technologies (e.g., screen readers, voice recognition software)
  • WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
  • HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Outcome:

The accessibility enhancements significantly improved the user experience of the banking website. This transformation facilitated an inclusive banking experience, enabling all users to effortlessly navigate and access banking services. With a remarkable compliance score of 96%, users have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, citing enhanced usability and accessibility. Moreover, there has been a notable 22% increase in user engagement, indicating the effectiveness of these enhancements in catering to a diverse range of users.