14 comments

  • Kat ☺, almost 6 years ago

    There's a wider understanding of UX as well as HCD. Accessibility is very important when it comes to those things. Has to be taken seriously, in my opinion, to make a good product.

    7 points
  • Duke CavinskiDuke Cavinski, almost 6 years ago

    Yes, but to be slightly cynical, I think it has been partly the result of recent governmental regulations and rising legal action regarding accessibility standards on the web.

    6 points
    • Jonas S, almost 6 years ago

      Ok. I wasn't aware of the new regulations. (From Europe) That is probably a quite a big reason then.

      0 points
    • Svanhild EggeSvanhild Egge, almost 6 years ago

      I work in Norway and we have had government regulations regarding accessibility since 2013 - it's a legal requirement here now for both the private and public sector. So you pretty much just have accept and embrace it.

      A few years ago when I was working in Australia, it was only a topic when we were working for government clients so the few times when we even considered the accessibility of a product, it was just because we had to.

      0 points
  • Ridwan SanusiRidwan Sanusi, almost 6 years ago

    Everything that has been said plus the Web accessibility Legislation and the various lawsuit in recent times are making it something big companies are taking very seriously.

    See this: https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-face-lawsuits-over-website-accessibility-for-blind-users-1478005201

    http://www.adatitleiii.com/2016/12/a-cautionary-tale-doj-intervenes-in-another-web-accessibility-lawsuit/

    3 points
  • Account deleted almost 6 years ago

    Absolutely. It's better native tools built into the software we use to develop and design experiences. It's also due less fragmentation in the space in terms of browser/plug-in tech. Flash was an absolute nightmare in regards to any semblance of accessibility.

    I think as a whole, designers have more empathy over the past 4-5 years. There is a lot more attention being paid to the user and their experience as a whole now than ever before.

    2 points
  • Scott de JongeScott de Jonge, almost 6 years ago

    Yes, and it's great! Accessibility standards are being adopted as digital design has matured to utilise them as an opportunity to reach the widest audience possible, instead of viewing them as a roadblock/constraint.

    Better testing tools (Chrome a11y audit, pa11y etc.), along with clearer communication of WCAG etc. has made it easier for designer and developers to integrate accessibility into their workflows.

    I am of the view that accessible digital design that prioritises universal design principles is the most effective way to ensure a product is useable/understandable by the most people., which is ultimately our primary objective right?!

    2 points
    • Jonas S, almost 6 years ago

      Yes. Well put. I have had a feeling that designers are shifting their attitude - from being annoyed over having to follow the WCAG rules to see them as an positive challange.

      1 point
  • Darrell HanleyDarrell Hanley, almost 6 years ago

    I think there's more awareness and on the developer end, it's easier to throw basic a11y testing into your linting tools now than it was to test for it like 5 years ago. I personally don't work on any React JS projects without React a11y included.

    2 points
    • Jonas S, almost 6 years ago

      Interesting. So you would say that the tools makes it easier now to build and test accessibility?

      0 points
      • Darrell HanleyDarrell Hanley, almost 6 years ago

        As far as development is concerned, yes. I think we have a ways to go in terms of tools for designers, since most tools like contrast checkers and color blind screen modes live outside of our design tools, rather than being integrated into them.

        1 point
  • Akshay ChauhanAkshay Chauhan, almost 6 years ago

    In Gary Hustwit's Objectified documentary, there was a handle design wherein by making it easy for people with arthritis to use something they made the product more ergonomic for everyone..

    1 point