Why are we trying to make sure content is accessible?
According to the WHO, 1.3 billion people are disabled. This is one in 6 people and in the UK disability is on the increase.
When we design accessible content, we design good content. Accessibility requirements can provide opportunities for creative solutions that have broad benefits.
Disabilities might include:
Mobility is one of the most common disabilities in the UK and includes things like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and arthritis.
Other common physical disabilities include visual and hearing impairments.
We also have to take into account mental health conditions and cognitive issues such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia.
But also temporary issues such as tiredness or anxiety (this is important when creating flows for potentially sensitive situations such as debt) and situational issues, such as busy environments, can also create difficulties in parsing information.
How do we apply this?
From a UX content point of view, the most relevant heuristics when it comes to accessibility are:
Consistency and standards
Maintaining consistency and following conventions reduces cognitive load for all users. It also allows those using assistive technologies to know what to expect and navigate efficiently.
Recognition rather than recall
Minimising repetition and letting users recognise information rather than forcing them to recall it across different screens. This reduces strain on short-term memory, which is useful for all users but specifically those who have cognitive disabilities.