Here's how you can design software for accessibility with key considerations in mind.

1 Understand ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth guidelines that are essential to consider in software design. While it's a U.S. law, its principles are globally recognized. Ensure your software complies with ADA by providing alternative ways for users to interact with your product. This includes keyboard navigation for those who cannot use a mouse, screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users, and clear, simple language for those with cognitive disabilities. Familiarize yourself with ADA standards to create a foundation for accessibility in your designs.

2 Embrace WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a framework for making digital content more accessible. Adhering to WCAG standards means ensuring text can be resized without assistive technology, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and making sure your software can be navigated and understood easily. By following these guidelines, your software will not only be more accessible but also often more user-friendly for all users.

3 Design Flexibly

Designing for accessibility requires a flexible approach that accommodates various user needs. This means creating interfaces that can be customized. Allow users to change font sizes, contrast levels, and color schemes to meet their visual needs. Ensure that interactive elements are large enough to be easily clicked or tapped, and provide ample space to reduce the chance of accidental actions. A flexible design is key to creating software that is usable by as broad an audience as possible.

4 Test Thoroughly

Testing is crucial in software design, especially for accessibility. Engage users with disabilities in your testing process to receive direct feedback on how your software performs in real-world scenarios. Automated testing tools can help identify some accessibility issues, but they cannot replace the insights gained from user testing. By thoroughly testing your software with accessibility in mind, you can identify and rectify barriers that might otherwise go unnoticed.

5 Iterate Continuously

Accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. As technology and standards evolve, so too should your software. Regular updates that incorporate feedback from users with disabilities are vital. Continuously iterating on your design to improve accessibility ensures that your software remains usable and relevant for all users, regardless of how their needs may change over time.

6 Educate Teams

Finally, fostering an environment where your development team is educated on accessibility is essential. Encourage learning and awareness about the challenges faced by users with disabilities. Provide resources and training on accessibility best practices and ensure that this knowledge is integrated into every stage of the software design and development process. When your team has a strong understanding of accessibility, they are better equipped to create inclusive software.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?