What Is WCAG and How We Build Accessible Software From the Start

What is WCAG?

WCAG is the recommended package developed by W3C in the framework of its Web Accessibility Initiative. It gives recommendations on how different digital products should be adjusted for disabled people.

WCAG is based on four major principles known as Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust, abbreviated as POUR.

Thus, any product should provide users with necessary information in a perceivable way, give users the ability to deal with the controls of a product, offer the customers meaning, and communicate simply and clearly with them.

Why Is Accessibility Important?

Accessibility is relevant for users of different needs. People with vision problems can use screen readers, while people with mobility limitations can navigate with keyboards instead of a mouse. Users with hearing impairment may need to read captions to understand the videos.

Besides, accessibility improvements can be useful for users without disabilities. Good navigation, easy-to-read text, captions, simple layout, and interfaces where a keyboard can be used make digital products usable for all.

Three Levels of WCAG Conformity

WCAG describes three conformity levels: A, AA, and AAA.

Level A covers the basic accessibility requirements. Level AA has more complex requirements and is often taken as an objective to achieve by companies. Level AAA is the highest level of accessibility, but it is not always possible to reach it with regard to the whole website or app.

The required level may depend on the type of product, audience, regulations to obey, and activities of the organization.

Building Accessibility From the Start

At Dev Technosys, accessibility aspects can be taken into account at any time in the software development process instead of during the testing process at the end.

At the design stage, the team can think about elements like color contrast, typography, navigation structure, focus indication, button sizes, and clarity of the content hierarchy. These features have an important influence on the way users interact with the product.

At the development stage, the implementation can involve semantic HTML, labels, keyboard navigation, alternative text, accessible forms, and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Accessibility Testing

From the perspective of accessibility testing, it is important to apply a combination of automated tools and manual testing. Automated testing is good for identifying certain problems like missing labels, contrast issues, and inappropriate structural features. Nevertheless, automated testing does not allow professionals to identify all usability problems.

Manual keyboard testing, screen-reader testing, and tests with different browsers and devices can provide more information about how customers utilize the product.

Accessibility as an Ongoing Practice

Accessibility is not a goal that can be achieved only once. The implementation of new features, alterations in designs, changes in content, and technical modifications may also create new accessibility challenges. Hence, accessibility should primarily be viewed as a part of continuous work in product development processes. Considering WCAG principles from the very start, developers can identify the barriers earlier and create inclusive and more usable digital experiences.