WIKIPEDIA: Redesign
ROLE
UX + UI Design
Visual design
Research
Prototyping Testing
TOOLS
DETAILS
Figma
Designing for the 13% Fall 2024
Gary Dawkins
While Wikipedia strives to provide comprehensive information to users, its interface may pose challenges for individuals with cognitive disabilities due to several factors from looking at just the home page to creating an account.
THE PROBLEM
Overview
Home Page
The articles often contain dense text, and lack of white space which can be difficult for individuals to read and process
Primarily relies on text-based content, with limited visual aids, the absence of visual elements can hinder comprehension and engagement
Create Account
The absence of clear visual cues or back tracking previews of what has been typed and reduce errors
No clear error messages, suggestions for correction, and assistance options
Accessibility is Crucial
Limited Access:
can result in these users being unable to access important information, services, or resources available on the website.
Increased Barriers:
Non-compliant websites may unintentionally create barriers that hinder users with cognitive disabilities from fully participating in online activities.
Missed Opportunities:
By not prioritizing web accessibility, website owners may miss out on opportunities to reach a broader audience and increase user engagement.
Exclusionary Design:
Websites that prioritize aesthetics or functionality over accessibility leads to feelings of frustration, exclusion, and discrimination among individuals who are unable to access or navigate the website effectively.
Implementing Solutions
Success Criteria 1.4.12: Text Spacing
My focus was making the text bigger and use more space in between to have a a digestible interface of information
Organized the information in larger sections and space rather than the previous condensed text and multiple rows that could be disorientating for someone with a cognitive disability
Text in their own rows with a larger image to indicate clearly how it relates to the text
Previously the home page didn't include a contents tab on the side that would be able to tab click and go to the section of the page since the sections were in their
Users had to scroll through and pin point where the article they were searching for. This would result in users missing it with the large amount of text condensed into on section.
Error prevention (Success Criterion 3.3.1)
With the contents tab implemented users can click on which titled article that is labeled to that section on the home page without scroll fatigue
Contents does stick to the side when the user is at any part of the artcle so that it are able to jump around the page with ease without the need to scroll up
User can read the article they need at a faster pace and more easily
Cognitive disabilities can affect memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, making it challenging for users to recognize and recover from errors. By implementing error prevention mechanisms, such as clear instructions, confirmations, and validation checks, cognitive users can avoid unnecessary cognitive strain and maintain focus on their tasks.
Adding a preview on password which helps with Error prevention previously there is no option to show what you have typed in as your password as seen on over websites to make sure the user has typed it in correctly
Previously there was no way to preview what you have typed in for the password
Accessible Authentication (Success Criterion 3.3.8)
There wasn’t a way to create or log in with an alternative account like via google, the user had to create one through Wikipedia itself
Labels or Instructions Success Criterion 3.3.2
user can log into other accounts to make the process easier and faster to access accounts
It becomes more streamlined when keeping up with multiple accounts on other platforms so user can access their accounts
Complex authentication requirements can frustrate and overwhelm cognitive users, leading to abandonment or disengagement from the login process. Accessible authentication features, such as alternative login options (ex., social sign-in) provide user-friendly login methods.
As a solution to help with the password creation process I utilize a tool tip that users can click on to to see what is required to make a valid password
By being able to click on to it it reduces the excessive use of words to space out the pages contents
This helps cognitive users stay on track and complete tasks more efficiently and accurately.
The importance of this success criterion is to provide instructions or labels identifying the controls in a form so that users understand what input is requested. In order to avoid cluttering the page while also providing important cues and instructions to people with disabilities.
Accessible Authentication (Success Criterion 3.3.8)
Larger header and intro paragraph to read what the article easily for the user to understand the basic information of the article if they would like to read further
Success Criteria 2.4.5: Multiple Ways
Cognitive users may have varying preferences and abilities when it comes to interacting with digital content. Providing multiple ways to access information, navigate interfaces, and complete tasks accommodates diverse cognitive needs and allows users to choose the method that best suits their capabilities and preferences.
For individuals with a visual disability they have the option to use an audio based security check
People with cognitive or are unable to use a keyboard are able to verify their account that accommodates to them with the use of an image based security check
Accessible authentication ensures that individuals with disabilities can access digital platforms, services, and resources on an equal basis with others. The previous CAPTCHA Security Check would only involve typing in your response that you see in the text image but with the concern of Accessible Authentication it limits those who are unable to type or visually impaired.
REFLECTION
For people like Rachel and many others with disabilities not just cognitive, understanding W3C guidelines for website accessibility is crucial for creating digital environments that are inclusive and accessible to people of all disabilities. Ignoring accessibility guidelines stifles innovation and creativity in web design and development.
By prioritizing accessibility, you enhance the overall user experience for all visitors to your website. Accessibility considerations leads to new insights, approaches, and solutions that benefit all users, driving innovation and advancement in digital design and development.
WEBB
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TARGET
