Background
I started my research by exploring the field of human computer interaction and user experience design through various courses at the i-school and an internship at Dell, where I have designed different interfaces for both web and mobile platforms. I understand how web technologies are playing a significant role in today’s digital world and everyone, including elderly and those with impairments (visual, hearing, mobility and cognitive). They are using and are dependent on these technologies (Mobile and Web Interfaces) in their everyday lives. Thus, I strongly advocate that those who design these solutions have a responsibility to make sure everyone including people with impairments can access these web technologies.
Challenge
My research has determined that there are three main aspects to the awareness for the need for web accessibility. I have determined the following things: 1) Accessibility is mostly driven by the standards, federal laws and regulations for e.g., WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines); 2) The issue of accessibility generally comes at the last stages of most solution development cycles, typically after usability studies; and 3) the language and style of the standards and guidelines are very complex and technical, which discourage designers from incorporating accessibility at initial stages of design unless it is part of the requirements.
Solution
My projects are directed at facilitating design and i-school students to understand two things. One is the broad concept of web accessibility and its importance. Second is how it can be embedded in the UX design process at a very early stage. My ultimate goal is to use different mediums (website, posters and videos) to create awareness and educate designers in an interesting and simple ways.
Challenge the Perception
4 weeks | Individual | University of Texas at Austin
In these posters I attempted to challenge various misconceptions to provoke audience to think about Web accessibility. These posters include famous quotes on accessibility and design.
Engage
4 weeks | Individual | University of Texas at Austin
A series of videos that engages viewers to learn more about web accessibility.
Short Video: Definition of Web Accessibility.
Short Video: Difference between Abled and Visually Dis-abled.
Short Video: Web Accessibility as a Legal Requirement.
Ongoing | Individual | University of Texas at Austin
An online tool for UX and Visual designers. This tool provides them with guidelines to incorporate web accessibility into their design process. It explains step by step process required for a web accessible UX design. These guidelines when used to design any web product will help to fulfill Section 508 web accessibility requirements.
Homepage of AccessibleUXD, www.accessibleuxd.com
Accessible UX Design Framework
Personas
Information Architecture
User Journey
Visual Design of AccessibleUXD Methodology