How do you measure the accessibility of a user journey?

I check how accessible a user journey is by looking at different things that make it easy for all kinds of users. First, I make sure the buttons and features in the design follow accessibility guidelines like WCAG. I also check if the content is simple and easy to understand, especially for users with different abilities. To be sure the user journey works well for everyone, I do tests with people who have different needs. I also ask for feedback from users with disabilities to keep making improvements. By doing these things, I can see how accessible the user journey is and make it better for everyone, no matter their abilities.

A user journey is very important when it comes to judging how good your design is. Making the design so simple for the user that no more steps can be avoided is when you reach the best design and for the realization of the same, it is very important to understand how a user interacts with the UI.

A user journey encapsulates the sequence of steps a user takes to accomplish a goal or complete a task within your website, app, or product. It can be visualized through diagrams, storyboards, or flowcharts, illustrating the user's actions, thoughts, emotions, and any encountered pain points throughout their interaction. Mapping out a user journey is instrumental in gaining insights into the user's needs, expectations, and motivations, enabling the design of solutions that effectively address these aspects. By understanding and analyzing these journeys, you can enhance user experience, making your digital product more intuitive, user-friendly, and aligned with user goals.

When assessing the accessibility of a user journey, go beyond the basics by integrating accessibility elements directly into the journey representation. Expand the visualization to include accessibility checkpoints, highlighting potential hurdles users might face based on various abilities. This proactive method not only identifies possible challenges but also promotes a more inclusive design process.

Measuring the accessibility of a user journey involves testing, establishing metrics, and using tools like the W3C maturity model. Customer journey measurement and the User Journeys feature in Siteimprove Analytics can also help assess and improve accessibility.

Accessibility in the context of user journeys refers to ensuring that your website, app, or product is usable and enjoyable for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, preferences, or circumstances. This concept extends beyond catering to users with permanent disabilities, like vision, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments, to also include those facing temporary or situational limitations, such as low bandwidth, poor lighting, or noisy surroundings. Emphasizing accessibility not only broadens the usability and inclusivity of your user journey but also enhances overall performance. Moreover, it positively impacts your brand's reputation and customer loyalty and ensures compliance with legal standards for accessibility.

Start by prioritizing the issues that most significantly impact the accessibility of your user journey. This prioritization should be based on established standards, user feedback, and the metrics you've gathered. Look for issues that are critical or frequently encountered by users. Create a checklist or roadmap to systematically plan and execute the necessary changes. This plan should detail specific actions, responsible parties, and timelines to ensure effective implementation. Reassess the user journey to evaluate the effectiveness of your modifications. Utilize the same methods initially employed for measurement — such as accessibility audits, user feedback sessions, and analytics — to compare pre- and post-implementation results.

Maintaining accessibility throughout a product's lifecycle involves ongoing efforts. Stay informed on standards, conduct regular audits, and establish a user feedback loop for continuous improvement. Integrate inclusive design from the start, provide ongoing training, and document accessibility guidelines. Use automated testing tools, perform cross-browser testing, and adapt to technological changes. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement, and monitor compliance with evolving standards. Publicize accessibility features, develop a roadmap for improvements, and celebrate achievements. By weaving accessibility into every stage, a product can ensure inclusivity remains a sustained commitment. Easier said than done, but still possible.

We run continuous audits, utilize tools like Lighthouse, stay up to date on user research, and bolster metrics with real time data feeds in Crazyegg and GA. It helps having developers who are also accessibility specialists to catch certain niche cases. I think, especially if you're a larger company, investing in some sort of general accessibility training plan, I feel there's a net positive Cost to Benefit.

To measure the accessibility of a user journey, assess key elements. Check for proper heading structures, readable text with sufficient contrast, and keyboard navigation. Ensure forms and interactive elements are screen-reader friendly. Evaluate the user journey's compatibility with assistive technologies and adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG). Conduct usability testing with diverse users, including those with disabilities, to identify barriers. Monitor and address feedback on accessibility issues. Regularly review and update the journey, prioritizing inclusivity and compliance with accessibility guidelines for a seamless experience for all users.