Digital Accessibility Testing Fundamentals

Welcome back to our series on Digital Accessibility Testing Fundamentals! In this first installment, we’ll discuss some of the manual testing techniques for digital accessibility.

Manual Testing

Digital Accessibility manual testing techniques are crucial for ensuring that websites and applications are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. While automated testing tools can help identify many accessibility issues, manual testing is still necessary to ensure that the user experience is optimal for everyone. Let`s explore some of the most important manual testing techniques for digital accessibility.

Keyboard Accessibility Testing

Keyboard accessibility testing is one of the most important manual testing techniques for digital accessibility. This involves navigating through the website or application using only the keyboard, without using a mouse. This test helps to identify any keyboard traps, focus management issues, and keyboard navigation issues. Additionally, it can help ensure that all interactive elements such as links, buttons, and form fields can be accessed using the keyboard.

Screen Reader Testing

Screen reader testing involves using assistive technology such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver to navigate through the website or application. This test helps to identify any issues with the structure of the content, including improper use of headings, lists, and landmarks. It can also help to identify any issues with image alt text, label associations, and ARIA attributes.

Color Contrast Testing

Color contrast testing involves ensuring that the colors used on the website or application meet accessibility guidelines. This test helps to ensure that all users, including those with visual impairments, can easily read and understand the content. Several tools help with color contrast testing, such as the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker and Contrast Checker by TPG.

Download the color contrast analyser here (CCA) Color Contrast Analyser Download .

Focus Management Testing

Focus management testing ensures that the focus is properly managed when navigating the website or application. This test helps to ensure that the user can easily identify their location on the page and that the focus is not trapped or lost. It can also help to ensure that focusable elements are properly labeled and that there is a clear visual indication of focus.

Forms Testing

Forms testing involves ensuring that all form fields are properly labeled and that there are clear instructions for completing the form. This test helps to ensure that all users, including those using assistive technology, can easily complete the form. It can also help to ensure that the form is properly validated and that any errors are clearly identified.

Manual testing is a crucial component of digital accessibility testing, as it helps to ensure that websites and applications are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Keyboard accessibility testing, screen reader testing, color contrast testing, focus management testing, and forms testing are just a few of the key techniques used in manual testing for digital accessibility. By incorporating manual testing techniques into your accessibility testing process, you can ensure that your website or application is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

For more information on why accessibility is important in general, you can check out my previous blog post here.

For further information on how to make your product accessible to your audience, contact our experienced design experts, check out our Accessibility IQ for your website, download our guide Digitally Accessible Experiences: Why It Matters and How to Create Them, read more from our UX for Accessible Design series.

So, What Comes Next?

In the next post, we’ll continue our exploration of Automation testing techniques.

Stay in touch and follow my next post.