Summary
Online shopping was first premiered in the 1980s, as a way for people who couldn’t shop in-person to easily make purchases. But how far we’ve come! In this talk, Fable’s Accessibility Evangelist Sam Proulx will walk you through some of the key factors to create an online shopping experience that is accessible to everyone. From his perspective as a full time screen reader user, and drawing on Fable’s thousands of hours working with people with disabilities, Sam will highlight how consistency, convenience, confidence, and customizability enable a smooth experience for all users, disabled or not. Let’s bring online shopping back to its accessibility roots!
Key Insights
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Accessibility is beneficial for all users, not just those with disabilities.
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Consistency in online experiences reduces cognitive load and improves user retention.
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Convenience features like autofill enhance user experience for everyone, especially those with physical disabilities.
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Confidence in using online products influences purchasing behavior; unclear controls can lead to frustration and abandonment.
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Customizability in design allows for better user experiences across diverse needs and preferences.
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Involving people with disabilities in the design process leads to more effective accessibility solutions.
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Automated tests for accessibility insights are limited; real user feedback is essential for meaningful improvements.
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Checkout experiences that are accessible can lead to brand loyalty and repeat customers.
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Accessibility should be considered throughout the entire product lifecycle, not just as a final audit.
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Designing for marginalized groups can create better experiences for all users.
Notable Quotes
"The Four Keys to designing an accessible experience are consistency, convenience, confidence, and customizability."
"Accessible experiences are better experiences for everyone, whether you are a person with a disability or not."
"When you design for the edges, you get the people in the middle for free."
"Consistency allows assistive technology users to develop muscle memory while navigating websites."
"Convenience features streamline tasks for all users, not just those with disabilities."
"A lack of confidence can lead assistive technology users to give up and seek alternatives."
"Customization is key, as no two users with disabilities will have the same needs or preferences."
"Involving people with disabilities in the design process is crucial to building effective accessibility solutions."
"Accessibility is an ongoing conversation and should never be an afterthought."
"Measurable improvement in accessibility comes from engaging actual users during all phases of design."
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