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Optimising Inclusivity in Technology and Consulting Platforms

 

 

Optimising Inclusivity in Technology and Consulting Platforms

technology

Brief Description of Project: 

The technology and consulting websites entail creating online platforms for firms in the technology and consulting sectors, providing convenient access to services and information for clients and users. This includes offering insights, solutions, resources, and support in various domains such as IT, management, strategy, and advisory services. The goal is to develop seamless and user-friendly digital experiences, empowering clients and users to access information and services efficiently from anywhere with internet access.     
 

Sector: 

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

Problem Statement:  

The technology and consulting websites faced accessibility challenges, hindering users with disabilities from accessing information and services effectively. Common issues included: 

  1. Incorrect Page Title: Users can't differentiate content with multiple open pages. 
  2. Missing Control Roles: Users can't understand controls without roles. 
  3. Images Without Alt Text: Users miss context without alt attributes. 
  4. Illogical Keyboard Focus: Users get disoriented with non-sequential focus. 
  5. Incorrect Heading Levels: Navigation is difficult without proper headings.     
     

These problems created barriers for individuals with disabilities, such as those with blindness, low vision, locomotor disability, and intellectual disability — preventing them from fully engaging with the websites. The average accessibility compliance score for technology and consulting websites was 38.00 %.     
 


Solution Statement :

We performed testing on technology and consulting websites applications and reported over 80 accessibility violations, which impacted compliance scores. Our development team fixed these 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:

  1. Correct Page Titles: Ensure each page has a unique and descriptive <title> tag that accurately represents its content. Use server-side or client-side scripting to dynamically update titles as needed.
  2. Assign Control Roles: Utilize ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles to designate roles for interactive controls, enhancing accessibility for assistive technologies. For example, use role="button" for buttons and role="link" for links. 
  3. Alt Attributes for Images: Add descriptive <alt> attributes to all images, providing alternative text that conveys the image's content or function. Use server-side scripting to automate alt attribute generation where possible.
  4. Sequential Keyboard Focus: Implement proper tab index values and ensure the logical order of interactive elements matches visual layout. Use JavaScript to manage focus and ensure consistent keyboard navigation across browsers.
  5. Correct Heading Structure: Review and update heading levels to accurately reflect content hierarchy. Utilize HTML heading elements (<h1> to <h6>) in sequential order to denote different sections of the page. Use CSS to style headings as needed while maintaining semantic structure.

These improvements have revolutionized the technology and consulting websites, fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly online environment. By eliminating obstacles, we have actively encouraged involvement among individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal participation in the digital realm. These enhancements have nurtured an accessible ambiance, promoting a smooth and rewarding experience for all users visiting the websites.    
 


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 improvements made a significant impact on the user experience of technology and consulting websites. This transformation fostered an inclusive online environment, allowing all users to easily navigate and access services. Achieving an impressive compliance score of 98%, users have offered overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting improved usability and accessibility. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable 26% surge in user engagement, demonstrating the effectiveness of these enhancements in meeting the needs of diverse users.