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Level Up Your SaaS with Accessible Design

Updated on Jun 20, 2024   |   Célestin Lebéhot   |   Reading time: 8 min

Elderly couple enjoying a tablet at a table.

Picture this: a potential user, excited to try out your groundbreaking SaaS… only to hit a wall at the homepage, unable to fully utilize its features. The reason? Accessibility barriers preventing them from having a seamless user experience. Because here's the thing: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over a billion people live with some form of disability. That's a massive audience your SaaS can't afford to ignore. And even users without disabilities can benefit greatly from well-integrated accessibility features. From intuitive navigation to strategic color choices and seamless adaptability across various devices, discover how to craft an inclusive user experience that will not only attract a wider audience but also propel your growth.

Table of contents

Definitions

Before diving into practical tips, let's make sure we're speaking the same language. Here are some key definitions to better understand the world of accessibility.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility is the art of designing websites, applications, and digital technologies that are usable by everyone, without exception. This means that every individual, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, should be able to:

Digital accessibility is not just a box to check to comply with the law. It is above all a win-win investment that benefits both your users and your business.

What does disability mean in the digital world?

When we talk about accessibility, we often think of people with "visible" disabilities. However, the reality is much broader and more nuanced. It is important to move away from this narrow view and understand that disability can take many forms and affect a much wider audience than we might imagine. It encompasses a wide range of people, particularly those who are visually impaired, hard of hearing, or have mobility impairments. But we must also consider:

What are assistive technologies?

These are tools used by people with disabilities to interact with digital systems. They include:

Tip 1: Adopt an "Accessibility First" Approach

“Accessibility first” is a design philosophy that places accessibility at the heart of the development process, not as an afterthought. In concrete terms, this means:

Benefits of an "Accessibility First" Approach

Tip 2: Design Clear and Intuitive Navigation

Imagine yourself lost in a maze with no directions. That's kind of how users feel when faced with a complex and poorly designed digital interface, especially those who rely on assistive technologies.

To ensure an optimal and inclusive user experience, your SaaS must offer clear, intuitive, and predictable navigation. Here's how:

1. Structure information logically and consistently:

2. Use simple and accessible language:

3. Offer alternative navigation options:

Tip 3: Illuminate Your Interface Without Blinding Anyone (Master Colors and Contrasts)

Choosing colors for your SaaS interface is about more than just aesthetics. It plays a crucial role in accessibility and the overall user experience. The colours must be chosen and set correctly as what we call a Color System. Poorly chosen colors and contrasts can make your interface illegible for many users, especially those who are visually impaired or colorblind.

1. Choose sufficient contrast between text and background:

2. Don't rely solely on color to convey information:

3. Choose a harmonious and inclusive color palette:

Tip 4: Pay Attention to Typography and Layout

The typography and layout of your SaaS should not be left to chance. They directly influence the readability of your content and the user experience, especially for people with visual or cognitive impairments.

1. Choose a legible and accessible font:

2. Pay attention to line height and character spacing:

3. Structure your content for easy reading:

Tip 5: Make Multimedia Content Accessible

Integrating multimedia content (images, videos, animations...) is an excellent way to make your SaaS more dynamic and engaging for your users. But for this content to be accessible to everyone, it is essential to design and integrate it correctly.

1. Images: Say it with words!

2. Videos: Subtitles and transcripts for all!

3. Audio: Let the text speak!

Tools and Resources:

  • Subtitle generators: Tools like YouTube, Happy Scribe, and Veed.io can automatically generate subtitles, which you can then review and edit.
  • Accessible video hosting platforms: Vimeo, YouTube, and Wooky offer built-in accessibility features such as subtitles and audio descriptions.

Tip 6: Think Adaptability Across All Devices (Mobile First)

These days, users access your SaaS from a multitude of devices: desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones... It is therefore essential that your interface adapts perfectly to each screen size, without compromising accessibility.

1. Adopt a "Mobile First" Approach

2. Use responsive CSS

3. Test accessibility on different devices

Conclusion

Forget the misconceptions: accessibility is not a creative straightjacket that stifles the design of your SaaS. Nor is it just a "nice to have" reserved for philanthropic companies. Accessibility is a strategic investment that benefits everyone, and its return on investment is far greater than you might think.

An accessible interface is, above all, an interface that is intuitive, ergonomic, and pleasant to use for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Optimized contrasts, clear navigation, alternative content... these are all elements that benefit all users. It's the guarantee of an optimal user experience that builds customer loyalty, strengthens your brand image, and boosts your conversions.

Don't wait any longer to make accessibility a priority in the development of your SaaS. It's a win-win choice for your users and your business. In addition to ensuring accessibility, be sure to review these 10 crucial points before launching your SaaS product.

Ready to make your SaaS a model of accessibility and user experience?

At merveilleUX, our UX Design experts are here to guide you! We perform comprehensive ergonomic and accessibility audits of your platform to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your interface and offer concrete, personalized solutions to make it accessible to everyone.

Benefit from our expertise to:

We know how hard it can be to choose a Digital Product Design Agency to work with. Do not hesitate tocontact us today to discuss your project and receive a personalized quote.

Together, let's create a more inclusive and successful SaaS!

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