Elixir
Elixir
Client
HomeServices Of America
My Role
Product Designer
Platform
Desktop, Tablet & Mobile
Background
Elixir is an all-in-one web-based app for property management, designed for realtors, agents, tenants, and other stakeholders. It efficiently handles property listings, sales, and transactions, revolutionizing real estate management and transactions.
The Challenge
To ensure that Elixir is usable by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.
The Problem
Accessibility, as defined by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ensures that digital content and online services are inclusive and usable for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
ADA: A U.S. law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.
WCAG: Provides international standards for web accessibility.
Compliance with ADA and WCAG involves designing websites and digital content to accommodate various disabilities, such as visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. This includes providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation, and creating a universally accessible user experience.
Process
Accessibility Audit
The first step was conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit of Elixir, which involved:
• Using automated tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse to identify potential accessibility issues.
• Performing manual testing with screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS), keyboard-only navigation, and other assistive technologies.
• Consulting with accessibility experts and individuals with disabilities to gather insights and feedback.
Identifying key areas for improvements
Based on the audit results, several key areas were identified for improvement:
• Navigation: Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible with clear focus indicators.
• Forms: Enhance form labels, error messages, and ensure correct association of form elements.
• Color Contrast: Adjust color schemes to meet minimum contrast ratio requirements.
• Alternative Text: Provide descriptive alt text for all images and non-text content.
Implementation
To address the identified issues, the following accessibility features were implemented:
Design System
After a thorough ADA compliance audit, I led the initiative to enhance our design system. By addressing accessibility issues, we ensured a seamless, inclusive user experience. This process prioritized accessibility and streamlined our design workflows, creating a more efficient and user-centric system.
Final Product
After implementing the WCAG changes in our style guide, we applied them to the Elixir product on both web and mobile platforms. These updates ensured compliance with accessibility standards, providing a seamless and inclusive user experience across all devices. This not only improved accessibility but also enhanced overall user satisfaction and usability.
Conclusion
By prioritizing accessibility, Elixir has become a more inclusive platform that caters to the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. The improvements ensure compliance with ADA and WCAG standards and enhance the overall user experience. Elixir's commitment to accessibility demonstrates its dedication to providing equal access to property management tools for everyone.
Future Steps
Elixir will continue to:
• Monitor accessibility compliance through regular audits and updates.
• Engage with the disability community to gather ongoing feedback.
• Stay updated with evolving accessibility standards and best practices.
By maintaining a proactive approach to accessibility, Elixir aims to set a standard for inclusivity in the real estate industry.