Explanation and Usage of the Axe Accessibility Testing Tool

Ensuring accessibility is essential to make websites and applications more user-friendly for a wider audience. The accessibility testing tool “axe” is a powerful tool that helps developers and designers easily identify and fix issues in web content. This article explains the purpose of using axe, the detailed meanings of the displayed statuses, and the need for addressing each status.

What Is the Axe Accessibility Testing Tool?

axe (Accessibility Engine) is a widely used automated web accessibility testing tool. It evaluates websites against international standards, such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and other accessibility criteria, and identifies problematic areas. Key features of axe include:

• Ease of use: Integrates seamlessly with browser extensions and developer tools.
• Detailed error reporting: Clearly displays the causes and impacts of issues.
• High reliability: Provides results aligned with WCAG standards.
• Streamlined development process: Simplifies early-stage accessibility checks.

By leveraging axe, accessibility issues can be identified and resolved early, enabling you to create content that is accessible to all users.

Understanding Axe Check Result Statuses

When using axe, the results are categorized into the following four statuses. Each status’s meaning and the need for addressing it are explained below.

1. Violations

• Meaning: Highlights clear accessibility violations on the website. These violations do not meet WCAG criteria and must be fixed.
• Examples:
  • Text with insufficient contrast.
  • Images without alt attributes.
  • Interactive elements that are not keyboard operable.
• Need for Fixing: Mandatory. Violations directly impact users and should be addressed as a priority.

2. Passes

• Meaning: Indicates areas that meet accessibility standards.
• Examples:
  • Images with appropriate alt attributes.
  • Proper use of heading tags (e.g., <h1>, <h2>).
  • Effective keyboard navigation.
• Need for Fixing: None. However, it is essential to maintain these statuses by re-evaluating after any project changes.

3. Inapplicable

• Meaning: Displayed when specific tests do not apply to the web page, such as when the relevant elements are absent.
• Examples:
  • If there are no form elements, form-related tests will show “Inapplicable.”
• Need for Fixing: None. However, ensure no critical accessibility elements are missing.

4. Incomplete

• Meaning: Indicates that the check results are not definitive, requiring further manual evaluation. Axe marks items as incomplete when they cannot determine results automatically.
• Examples:
  • Use of ARIA attributes in custom UI components.
  • Verifying if visual labels are correctly read by screen readers.
• Need for Fixing: Possibly required. Manual tests or expert reviews should be conducted to confirm and resolve any issues.

Why Use Axe?

Using axe offers several advantages:

1. Streamlined Development Process
   Automated testing significantly reduces the time spent on manual checks. Detecting issues early minimizes the cost of fixing them later.

2. Improved Accessibility
   Providing WCAG-compliant websites ensures services are accessible to diverse users, including those with visual, auditory, or motor disabilities.

3. Reduced Legal Risks
   Compliance with accessibility standards is often required by law (e.g., ADA, EN 301 549). Axe makes it easier to adhere to these regulations.

4. Enhanced Brand Image
   Demonstrating a commitment to all users improves trust and reputation.

Prioritizing Fixes

To address accessibility issues effectively, prioritize fixes as follows:

1. Violations (Mandatory Fixes)
   These directly hinder user access and should be addressed first.

2. Incomplete (Requires Verification)
   Manual review is necessary to determine whether issues exist and need fixing.

3. Inapplicable and Passes (Verification Only)
   Generally, no fixes are needed, but review the site’s structure and content to ensure no intentional omissions.

Conclusion

Axe is an invaluable tool for enhancing web accessibility. By understanding the four statuses—“Violations,” “Passes,” “Inapplicable,” and “Incomplete”—and responding to them appropriately, you can create websites that offer a seamless experience for all users.

Utilize this tool to build accessible websites that everyone can enjoy!

Target Audience and Impact

• Target Audience: Web developers, designers, project managers, accessibility specialists.
• Impact: Using axe helps build universally accessible websites, improving user satisfaction, reducing legal risks, and enhancing brand reputation. Early detection of issues also saves significant time and costs.

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