Digital inclusion goes beyond providing access to digital devices and internet connections. It involves creating an environment where everyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or physical limitations, can fully benefit from digital capabilites and receive equal opportunities. Government agencies must comply with the WCAG standard for digital accessibility. How can you ensure that your organization does not exclude anyone?

Accessible design

When designing a new website/digital platform, it is crucial for developers and UX designers to prioritize digital inclusion by building an accessible design. Certain aspects need attention in this process. This article delves deeper into these aspects.

1. Comprehensive search function

For users with specific information needs, a powerful search function provides the ability to navigate quickly and efficiently to relevant content. This minimizes the time and effort required to find information, which is particularly valuable for individuals with cognitive limitations.

2. Magnification

The ability to adjust the size of text and images is crucial for users with visual impairments. By incorporating a magnification feature into the website design, visitos can read and understand the content more effectively.

3. Informative buttons

For complex subjects or text requiring clarification, adding an expandable 'i' information button with explanations provides visitors with more context. If clarification exceeds three lines, including a 'frequently asked questions' page allows for a deeper exploration of the topic. If specific questions recur, provide answers on this dedicated page.

4. Simple navigation

A clear, structured menu allows users to navigate the website easily and find the desired information. Keeping it simple is important. If your website ir primarily accessed via desktop, a more extensive menu may be acceptable. If most visitors come through mobile, adhere to the 'mobile-first' principle with concise menus that work well on a mobile screen and can be easily adapted to desktop use, while the reverse is more challenging.

5. Voice-activated search

Integrating voice-activated search extends your reach to a much broader audience. Consider visitors who may struggle with reading or writing but have a search query for your organization's website. With voice-activated search, they can navigate effectively. Additionally, people with visual impairments benefit from the ability to search your website using voice commands. 

6. UX copywriting

With UX copywriting, also known as UX writing or micro copy, you create a strong user experience through text. It's all in the details. To do this, immerse yourself in the mindset of the target audience and think like a user. Then guide them through the interface. UX copy includes help texts, call-to-action buttons, menu items, headers, error messages, and forms.

Need assistance?

Prefer to tackle it comprehensively, perhaps because you have a broad target audience and aspire to be accessible to everyone as an organization? Then get in touch with Marc via marc.gutlich@humandigital.nl or fill in the form. We have a functional business case and a proof of concept that we'd be happy to share with you.