Neelen Norman Group UX Podcast - Accessibility

Introduction

• Hosted by Therese Fessenden
• Topic: Accessibility in UX, an underrated topic
• Historical context:
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990
  • World Wide Web made public in 1993
• Accessibility not fully integrated into digital design and development

Guest: Steph Walter

• UX researcher and product designer
• Based in Luxembourg, lead UX design consultant at Malam
• Experience: over a decade in Enterprise and financial UX
• Teaches mobile and responsive design
• Shares knowledge on accessibility

Discussion Highlights

Steph's Interest in Accessibility

• Personal experiences with people with disabilities
• Observations of ableism
• Training in accessible code
• Importance of accessibility from the design phase

Defining Accessibility in UX

• Ensuring people with disabilities can perceive, interact, and contribute to the web
• Disabilities are diverse and can be temporary or situational
• Types of disabilities:
  • Auditory: Need for captions, configurable subtitles
  • Cognitive: Dyslexia, ADHD, autism, brain injuries
  • Physical: Mobility challenges, importance of keyboard navigation
  • Speech and Visual: Screen reader support, color blindness
• Designers can greatly impact accessibility

Challenges in Implementing Accessible Designs

• Lack of knowledge among designers and developers
• Misconceptions: "We don't have blind users"
• Importance of starting with education
• Regulations and compliance as motivators

Advice for Teams

• Start with small steps (e.g., color contrast)
• Educate stakeholders through real user impact
• Weaponizing company DEI initiatives for accessibility
• Importance of integrating accessibility from the start

Resources and Further Learning

• WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): Overseen by W3C, latest version 2.2
• Educational Resources:
  • Articles and videos from W3C
  • Courses like Sarah Swedens' Practical Accessibility

Closing Remarks

• The importance of continuous learning and implementation of accessibility in UX
• Encouragement to start small and build upon it
• Accessibility as an ongoing field adapting to new technologies

Additional Links and Resources

• Stephanie Walter’s blog
• Neelen Norman Group's website: www.nngroup.com
• Follow the podcast on your preferred platform for more insights on UX design and research

Keep it simple!