As businesses continue to evolve and adapt to the web, the importance of creating accessible websites and apps has never been more critical. Accessibility ensures that users of all abilities can navigate and interact with digital platforms seamlessly. However, building an accessible platform is only the first step. The process of testing and validation plays a crucial role in ensuring that accessibility is not just a concept, but a reality.

But what exactly is testing and validation in the context of accessibility? In this blog post, we’ll break down these terms, explain their importance, and explore how they contribute to creating inclusive digital experiences.

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What is Accessibility Testing?

Accessibility testing refers to the process of evaluating a website or app to ensure it can be easily used by people with disabilities or impairments, including those who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition, or keyboard-only navigation. Testing allows developers to identify barriers that might prevent people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities from accessing content or using features of a digital platform.

Some common areas that are evaluated during accessibility testing include:

Navigation and Structure

Ensuring the website is easy to navigate for users who may rely on keyboard navigation or screen readers.

Visual Accessibility

Checking colour contrast, font size, and other visual elements to accommodate users with visual impairments.

Interactive Elements

Verifying that forms, buttons, and other interactive components are accessible to users with motor impairments.

Assistive Technology Compatibility

Ensuring the platform works with tools like screen readers or voice navigation software.

Accessibility testing can be done through both automated tools and manual methods. While automated tools are helpful for identifying some issues, manual testing by actual users or professionals familiar with accessibility guidelines is critical for a comprehensive evaluation. This is why at Konnektis, we have a team member in accessibility testing with real accessibility needs.

What is Accessibility Validation?

Validation is the process of confirming that the changes made during testing actually resolve the identified issues and meet the necessary accessibility standards. After conducting thorough accessibility tests and making improvements, validation ensures that the website or app is now functional and accessible to users of all abilities.

Validation typically involves re-testing the digital platform to ensure that the solutions put in place work as intended across different devices and assistive technologies. It also includes checking compliance with established accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). By validating accessibility, businesses ensure that they meet both legal requirements and user expectations.

Why Testing and Validation Are Essential

Now that we’ve defined both testing and validation, it’s important to understand why these steps are crucial for accessibility success.

Illustration of a person examining a bug with a magnifying glass in front of code on a screen, representing software testing and bug validation.

Identify and Fix Barriers Early

Accessibility issues can be subtle and hard to detect without proper testing. For instance, a colour contrast that works for most users might be unreadable for someone with visual impairments. Early testing helps catch these issues before they become ingrained in the design, saving time and resources down the line.

Meet Legal Compliance

Laws like the UK’s Equality Act 2010 and the US’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require that websites and apps be accessible to people with disabilities. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal consequences, fines, or lawsuits. Regular testing and validation ensure that your digital platforms comply with these standards, reducing the risk of legal action.

Improve User Experience for All

Accessibility isn’t just about meeting legal requirements— it’s about creating a better user experience. When websites and apps are accessible, they’re easier to navigate, more intuitive, and usable by a wider audience. Testing helps to identify pain points in the user experience, while validation ensures those issues are resolved.

Support Business Growth

Inaccessible websites or apps can alienate a significant portion of your audience. By ensuring accessibility through testing and validation, businesses can reach more users, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately boost revenue. Inclusivity builds brand loyalty, and accessible digital platforms create a welcoming environment for all users.

How to Approach Testing and Validation

To effectively implement accessibility testing and validation, it’s important to follow a structured process:

Automated Testing

Start by using automated accessibility testing tools to identify common issues like missing alt text, colour contrast problems, or improper headings. Tools like Axe, Lighthouse, or WAVE can quickly scan your website or app and generate reports of accessibility issues.

Manual Testing

Illustration of a person at a desk manually testing software on a laptop, with large screens and gears symbolising processes and validation.

While automated tools are helpful, they don’t catch everything. Manual testing is essential for evaluating the user experience. Have real users with disabilities test your platform using assistive technologies like screen readers or alternative navigation methods. This provides invaluable insights into how your platform performs in real-world scenarios.

Iterative Process

Accessibility testing is not a one-time task. After testing and fixing issues, validation should occur continuously throughout the design and development process. Every time new features are added or design changes are made, accessibility should be re-tested to ensure ongoing compliance and usability.

Validation with Standards

Lastly, ensure your website or app complies with established guidelines like WCAG 2.1 or the more recent WCAG 2.2. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for making web content accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

Conclusion

Testing and validation are crucial steps in creating accessible websites and apps. Without these processes, even the best-intentioned accessibility features can fall short of providing an inclusive user experience. Regular accessibility testing identifies barriers that prevent users with disabilities from accessing your content, while validation ensures those issues are resolved and that your digital platform meets the required standards.

By prioritising accessibility testing and validation, businesses can not only meet legal requirements but also create digital platforms that are usable by everyone, driving both inclusivity and business success.

What is Testing and Validation?