How can you document and communicate accessibility personas and scenarios to stakeholders?

1 What are accessibility personas and scenarios?

Accessibility personas and scenarios are similar to the regular personas and scenarios that you may already use in your information architecture process, but they focus on the specific characteristics, goals, and pain points of users with disabilities. For example, an accessibility persona could be a blind user who relies on a screen reader to navigate your website, or a user with dyslexia who needs clear and simple language and layout. An accessibility scenario could describe how they perform a task or achieve a goal on your website, such as finding information, filling a form, or making a purchase. Accessibility personas and scenarios help you empathize with your users, understand their needs and expectations, and design solutions that meet them.

2 How to create accessibility personas and scenarios?

Creating accessibility personas and scenarios can be done using various methods and sources, depending on your allotted time, budget, and resources. For instance, user research with people with disabilities can provide direct and authentic insights into their behavior, preferences, and challenges. Additionally, data and statistics on disability demographics can give an estimate of the size and diversity of your potential user base and their accessibility needs. Moreover, accessibility guidelines and standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or the Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) can serve as best practices for making your website accessible. Finally, accessibility tools and simulators like the Web Accessibility Toolbar or the NoCoffee Vision Simulator can help you experience your website from a user's perspective with different impairments. With all this information in hand, you can create accessibility personas and scenarios that reflect the diversity of your users. To structure and format these personas and scenarios, you can use templates or tools like the Persona Creator or the Scenario Generator. Additionally, images, icons, or symbols can be used to make them more visual and memorable.

3 How to document accessibility personas and scenarios?

Once you have created your accessibility personas and scenarios, you need to document them in a way that is clear, concise, and consistent. You can use different formats and media, such as documents, presentations, posters, or videos, depending on your preferences and goals. To make your personas more human and relatable, include a name and photo for each one, along with a brief background and description of their age, occupation, interests, and disability type and level. Additionally, list the goals and tasks each persona wants to accomplish on your website and the motivations and pain points behind them. Furthermore, include a list of accessibility requirements and preferences for each persona such as assistive technologies they use or browser settings they adjust. Lastly, create a narrative of each scenario describing how they interact with your website, what steps they take, what challenges they face, and what outcomes they achieve. You may also add other details or elements that are relevant or useful such as quotes, emotions, feedback, or recommendations. The main purpose of your documentation is to convey the essence and value of your accessibility personas and scenarios to support design decisions and recommendations.

4 How to communicate accessibility personas and scenarios?

Documenting your accessibility personas and scenarios is not enough; you must also communicate them effectively to your stakeholders. This will help raise awareness of accessibility issues, persuade stakeholders to adopt best practices, and collaborate to create accessible products and services. To do so, tailor your communication to the audience's level of knowledge, interest, and involvement in accessibility. Utilize storytelling techniques and visual aids to engage and inspire the audience. Additionally, use feedback and evaluation methods to measure and improve communication. By communicating your accessibility personas and scenarios effectively, you can inform, educate, motivate, and empower your stakeholders to prioritize accessibility in information architecture projects.

5 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?