In the last two years, we have been among the technical officers who were solving UX challenges for a complex fintech onboarding application that involved multilevel authentication and a strict compliance requirement. While we are working hard towards getting the journey right, there is a demand for products that are further easy. One more way to explain is that how can we take a user-first approach to the simplification and accessibility issues.
Key Elements of Accessible Onboarding Forms:
Clear Labels and Legibility: Ordinary users and even those with screen readers will find clear and descriptive labels highly beneficial. For the labels to be clear, it ought to have plain and self-evident language.
Positioning of Labels: Grouping the labels with their related form elements makes sense both logically and visually.
Text-to-Speech Compatibility: Check whether the form can be used with text-to-speech tools, particularly for people with visual impairments
Input Assistance: Auto-filling forms that includes validation and checking error mechanisms will enable the user to complete forms with high accuracy.
Minimal Graphics and Animations: Indeed, the same tools that facilitate exciting user experience of a product can become barriers if not designed thoughtfully. That is to say, you need to provide descriptive alternative texts to the graphical elements and images, which must be equally accessible for screen readers. Watch out for animations as these may be irritating to some users with cognitive disabilities or may function incorrectly. Audio and video content is not common in onboarding, if present, ensure to provide captions and transcripts.
Color Contrast: The contrast ratio between the text and the background should be as high as possible to facilitate visibility especially when it comes to users with visual problems.
Keyboard Navigation and Consistent layout : A form should get the essential keyboard-based capability if the person has physical disabilities that prevent them from moving their hands. Ensure that all form elements can be navigated and operated using only a keyboard and no mouse is needed. The navigation structure of the form must be presented uniformly with focus Indicators that lets the user know which part is currently in focus.
Progress Indicators: Completion bars or steps should highlight the user about the form status. Give Efficient Feedback at each step. Clear feedback provided at every action point is useful not only in the user's action but also in the error correction process.
Error Recovery: The system should allow the user to easily rectify errors and not lose the previously entered information.
Input Indicators: The interface should include clear indicators, such as tooltips or inline messages prompting password requirements or other similar fields. The right UX of date field is always on debate. Separate input fields for Date Month and year with appropriate labelling is appreciated, also don’t forget to provide keyboard capabilities and avoid relying solely on cumbersome date pickers.
Affirmative Messaging: Brag on the user for doing the right thing and assist them more with the positive messaging.
Accessibility testing is a must-do procedure that should be carried out at regular time intervals, in order to find and eradicate potential issues. Some of the testing options are given below:
Automated Accessibility Testing
User Testing with individuals who have disabilities. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into real-world usability and accessibility issues that automated tools might miss.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest accessibility guidelines and best practices.
During my master's in Universal Design, various studies and research highlighted how little importance is given to accessibility. It might be a secondary requirement easpecatiamly for startups and mid level service providers, but it is essential for providing an inclusive user experience. Also, its important to note that accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and user-centric design.
Conversion is the biggest challenge for any service provider, and since they are always focused on improving the onboarding experience, accessibility becomes a crucial key to success. Accessibility isn't just a compliance requirement; it's a strategic advantage that enhances user satisfaction, drives business growth and loyalty.
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