Modern Ecommerce Must Be Universally Accessible

ecommerce sites universally accessible ada compliant websites disabled users

Sometimes it feels like the whole world is online. People use the internet and digital products to keep in touch with friends and family, read the news, watch movies, and even do their banking. With so many essential services delivered online, the online world has itself become necessary to access. 

Universal digital accessibility has become mainstream, but creating universally accessible websites or other digital products can still be difficult without the right guidance and support. 

With the role of Ecommerce in the marketplace expanding more than usual due to COVID-19, a business would be negligent to still not have an online storefront. And once you are selling to your marketplace online, you want the audience to be as broad as possible. 

Read on to learn about how on-demand accessibility crowdtesting platforms help Ecommerce companies reach accessibility compliance faster and at a reduced cost. 

Early In The Process, Rely On Those Who Know Best: People With Disabilities 

Thorough online accessibility testing can’t be purely automated. It’s essential to bring people with an array of disabilities to test your products right from the first phase of development. Accessibility isn’t something that can be tacked on at the end of a project — it needs to be an inseparable part of the product itself, and this can only happen if it’s built-in from the beginning. 

Rely on web accessibility testing that has access to an engaged community of real people living with disabilities who work as testers. This is the best way to get accurate, reliable testing. Automation can be useful, but it has limits when trying to achieve ADA compliance. 

Usability research should be grounded in user insights and stats obtained via feedback methodologies, like observation techniques and task analysis. Online companies don’t need to waste time and money on recruitment when, right from the start of the process, they have a dedicated community of testers with a range of disabilities. 

Every Kind Of Testing 

Digital creators can’t just make their product accessible once; it needs to be universally accessible on every web and mobile platform. Testing is required for every version of Apple and Android software, so they know every single customer can access it. 

Likewise, Ecommerce companies must know that their products work for people who have a broad range of disabilities, and with assistive technologies. Scheduling interviews, prototype reviews, and compatibility tests with people who rely on this technology in their daily lives will help steer you in the right direction quickly. 

Expect prompt feedback, and a combination of moderated and unmoderated testing to better identify barriers, assess unique experiences, and solve problems before the product is released. 

Largest Audience Possible 

Finally, every company wants to increase sales. Why not maximize the number of people you can sell to by ensuring everyone has access to your product or service? An e-commerce website that is ADA compliant will ensure the largest number of visitors can purchase.

There are strong ethical and even legal reasons to pursue universal accessibility. If you need a third reason to ensure everyone can access what you’re building, it also increases sales and engagement. The best on-demand accessibility crowdtesting platforms will help each company find the right path towards accessibility that makes the most sense for them. 

To get universal accessibility in the least amount of time, consult an on-demand accessibility crowdtesting platform that meets the criterion described above.

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