What are the latest trends in accessibility audits for User Experience (UX)?

2 Inclusive design

Another trend in accessibility audits for UX is the adoption of inclusive design principles and practices. Inclusive design is a way of designing products and services that consider the diversity and variability of human abilities, needs, and preferences. Inclusive design aims to create solutions that work for everyone, not just for a specific group or segment of users. By applying inclusive design to your UX, you can avoid creating barriers and exclusions that might require costly and time-consuming fixes later on. You can also enhance the usability, satisfaction, and loyalty of your users.

3 Accessibility reports

A third trend in accessibility audits for UX is the creation and dissemination of accessibility reports. Accessibility reports are documents that summarize the findings and recommendations of your accessibility audits, as well as the actions and outcomes of your accessibility improvements. Accessibility reports can help you communicate your accessibility goals and achievements to your stakeholders, such as clients, users, partners, and regulators. Accessibility reports can also help you monitor your progress and performance, as well as identify areas for further improvement.

4 User involvement

A fourth trend in accessibility audits for UX is the involvement of users in the process. User involvement means engaging with real or potential users who have different abilities, needs, and preferences, and soliciting their feedback and input on your UX. User involvement can help you gain insights and perspectives that you might not get from automated tools or expert reviews. User involvement can also help you validate your assumptions and hypotheses, as well as test your solutions and prototypes. User involvement can take various forms, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability tests, and co-design sessions.

5 Accessibility standards

A fifth trend in accessibility audits for UX is the alignment with accessibility standards and guidelines. Accessibility standards and guidelines are sets of rules and criteria that define what constitutes an accessible UX. Accessibility standards and guidelines can help you ensure that your UX meets the minimum requirements and expectations of your users and regulators. Accessibility standards and guidelines can also help you benchmark your UX against best practices and industry norms. Some of the most widely used and recognized accessibility standards and guidelines are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Section 508 Standards, and the ISO 9241 Standards.

6 Continuous improvement

A sixth trend in accessibility audits for UX is the adoption of a continuous improvement mindset and approach. Continuous improvement means that you don't treat accessibility as a one-time project or a checkbox item, but as an ongoing process and a core value of your UX. Continuous improvement means that you regularly conduct accessibility audits and implement accessibility improvements, as well as measure and evaluate their impact and effectiveness. Continuous improvement also means that you keep learning and updating your knowledge and skills on accessibility, as well as exploring new opportunities and challenges.

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?