How do you test and refine your layouts for usability and accessibility?

1 Define your goals and criteria

Before you start testing and refining your layouts, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure your success. Define your goals and criteria for usability and accessibility based on your project brief, target audience, and design principles. For example, you might want to consider aspects such as readability, navigation, contrast, color, typography, alignment, hierarchy, and consistency. You can use guidelines and standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) or UDL (Universal Design for Learning) to inform your criteria.

2 Gather feedback and data

One of the best ways to test and refine your layouts is to get feedback and data from real users. You can use various methods and tools to collect user feedback and data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability testing, eye tracking, heat maps, analytics, and A/B testing. These methods and tools can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your layouts, as well as the preferences and behaviors of your users. You can use this information to make informed decisions and adjustments to your layouts.

3 Use prototyping and iteration

Another way to test and refine your layouts is to use prototyping and iteration. Prototyping is the process of creating mockups or simulations of your layouts that can be tested and evaluated. Iteration is the process of making changes and improvements to your prototypes based on feedback and data. You can use graphic design software such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma to create and test interactive prototypes of your layouts. You can also use online tools such as InVision, Marvel, or Balsamiq to share and collaborate on your prototypes with your clients or stakeholders.

4 Check for errors and issues

Before you finalize and deliver your layouts, you need to check for errors and issues that might affect their usability and accessibility. You can use graphic design software features such as spell check, alignment guides, grids, and rulers to ensure your layouts are accurate and consistent. You can also use online tools such as WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool), Lighthouse, or Color Contrast Checker to check your layouts for accessibility issues such as low contrast, missing alt text, or poor keyboard navigation.

5 Learn from best practices and examples

Finally, you can test and refine your layouts by learning from best practices and examples of other graphic designers. You can use online resources such as Behance, Dribbble, or Awwwards to browse and analyze layouts that are well-designed, usable, and accessible. You can also use online courses, blogs, podcasts, or books to learn more about composition and layout techniques, usability and accessibility principles, and graphic design trends and tips.