*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Web accessibility ensures that everyone can equally access web content. By properly conducting accessibility testing, you can verify whether a website or application complies with accessibility standards and identify areas for improvement. This guideline outlines the basic steps and methods for conducting web accessibility testing effectively.
1. Clarifying the Purpose and Scope of Testing
1.1 Defining the Purpose
Before conducting accessibility testing, it is crucial to define the purpose. Common objectives include:
- Verifying compliance with accessibility standards: Confirm adherence to international standards such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Enhancing user experience: Ensure that a wide range of users, including those with disabilities or the elderly, can comfortably use the site.
- Reducing legal risks: Check compliance with laws and regulations related to accessibility.
1.2 Defining the Scope of Testing
Determine the scope of the testing. Decide whether to test all pages and functions or focus on specific important ones. Also, identify which devices and browsers (PCs, smartphones, tablets) will be included in the testing process.
2. Selecting the Testing Methods
2.1 Using Automated Testing Tools
Automated tools can quickly detect a wide range of accessibility issues. Some commonly used tools are:
- axe: A browser extension that detects accessibility issues in real-time.
- WAVE: Visualizes accessibility issues and highlights areas for improvement.
- Lighthouse: A Google tool that assesses not only accessibility but also performance and SEO.
While automated tools are helpful, they cannot detect all issues and should be used as a supplementary measure.
2.2 Manual Testing
Manual testing involves human interaction to evaluate accessibility. Key points to check include:
- Keyboard navigation: Ensure the site can be navigated using only the keyboard. Check if focus moves properly with the tab key and if modals can be closed with the escape key.
- Screen reader usage: Test the site with screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver) to ensure proper audio descriptions. Pay attention to labels for forms and the clarity of link text.
- Checking contrast ratio: Verify that the contrast ratio between text and background meets WCAG standards (typically 4.5:1 or higher for normal text).
2.3 Usability Testing
Conduct usability testing with actual users, including those with disabilities or elderly users, to understand real-world challenges. This method is highly effective in identifying issues that users face. Through observation and interviews, gather insights on which areas were difficult to use and what improvements are needed.
3. Evaluating and Reporting Test Results
3.1 Categorizing Issues and Setting Priorities
Classify the issues discovered during testing and prioritize their resolution. Issues can be categorized as:
- Severe issues: Problems that significantly impair the use of the site (e.g., inability to submit forms, critical information not read by screen readers).
- Moderate issues: Issues that hinder use but can be worked around (e.g., links inaccessible by keyboard, but alternative methods exist).
- Minor issues: Issues that don’t significantly impact usability but are still worth improving (e.g., slight contrast ratio deviations).
3.2 Proposing Improvements
Provide concrete solutions for the identified issues. Improvement proposals should include technical details so developers can implement fixes efficiently.
3.3 Creating a Report
Summarize the test results and improvement suggestions in a report. The report should include:
- Test overview: Objectives, scope, tools, and methods used in the testing process.
- List of issues: Detailed description of issues found and their priority.
- Improvement proposals: Specific suggestions for addressing each issue.
- Next steps: Plans for post-improvement retesting and regular testing schedules.
4. Implementing Improvements and Retesting
4.1 Implementing Improvements
Developers and designers should address the issues based on the test results. Ensure that the fixes align with accessibility standards.
4.2 Conducting Retests
After making improvements, retest to confirm that the issues have been resolved. Continuous improvement is necessary, as new issues may arise during retesting.
5. Continuous Accessibility Management
Accessibility is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing management. Regularly conduct accessibility tests, especially when new content or features are added. Additionally, leverage user feedback to continue improving the site and maintain a user-friendly web experience for all.
Conclusion
Web accessibility testing is a crucial process for ensuring that all users can access web content. By combining automated, manual, and usability testing, you can accurately detect and resolve accessibility issues. Use this guideline to conduct effective accessibility testing and commit to ongoing improvements, ensuring a better web experience for all users.
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If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.