4. Make sure everyone can use the service
Why it’s important
Because the use of digital resources is a necessity on campus, it is vital that ALL users can fully use your service, regardless of a permanent or temporary disability, English literacy, or tech literacy. If your service is not accessible, it’s not usable. Design an intuitive experience so that users succeed the first time, unsupported.
What to consider
- Have you ensured the accessibility of your content and user interface? Is it perceivable, operable, understandable and robust?
- Have you written your content in plain language so that all users can understand it?
- Is your digital content and interface usable by those with auditory, visual, motor and cognitive disabilities?
Toolkit: Principles and practices worksheet
Capture info as you work through each of the principles.
Contact us
Get in touch with the DoIT Interoperability Team to start your interoperability project.
Put this principle into action
- In the early stages:
- Adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 requirements and techniques and follow accessibility best practices to ensure all people can use the service
- If you are contracting with a 3rd party vendor, ensure you are procuring with accessibility in mind, and work with the vendor to make accessibility improvements
- If a vendor product is inaccessible:
- Assess, document and communicate to campus what is inaccessible, including alternative formats to meet the needs of users with disabilities. If alternative formats are unavailable, provide steps to get help and request an accommodation.
- Communicate barriers to the vendor, document progress and quality of accessibility improvements, and share with university purchasing services
- As you progress, write content clearly so your users can find what they need, understand what they find, and use what they find to meet their needs
- As the development of the service evolves, test your website using tools such as Wave, VoiceOver and additional testing tools
Dig deeper into this principle
The Center for User Experience can help you understand your users’ needs and pain points.
Please send feedback to the DoIT Interoperability Team. We welcome your input!