This comprehensive course explores the POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) principles of web accessibility and their applications in creating inclusive digital designs. By focusing on the power of diversity, the course empowers individuals to design websites and digital products that accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Participants will learn to implement best practices for accessibility, compliance with standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and how inclusivity can be a strength that enhances user experience for everyone. This course provides actionable strategies, tools, and resources to develop designs that are accessible to all, fostering a more equitable digital environment.
The POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) in design
How to implement WCAG accessibility guidelines
Strategies for inclusive digital design
How to design for diverse user needs, including people with disabilities
Tools and techniques for evaluating accessibility
Best practices for accessible user interfaces
The importance of accessibility in user experience design
Creating content that is perceivable and operable by all
Ways to enhance the robustness of your digital designs
How inclusivity drives innovation and improves product usability
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusivity
• 1.1 What is Digital Accessibility?
Understand the importance of accessibility in the digital world and its impact on individuals with disabilities.
• 1.2 Overview of Disabilities and Assistive Technologies
Explore different types of disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive, motor) and the assistive technologies used by people with disabilities.
• 1.3 The Role of Inclusive Design in Promoting Diversity
Learn how inclusivity strengthens design and fosters a diverse user base by addressing diverse needs.
• 1.4 Legal Frameworks for Accessibility (ADA, Section 508, and WCAG)
Gain insight into legal standards and guidelines that promote digital accessibility.
• 2.1 Perceivable: Creating Content for All Senses
Explore strategies to ensure that all content (text, images, audio, video) can be perceived by users with different disabilities.
- Lab: Writing effective alternative text for images
- Lab: Using transcripts and captions for media
• 2.2 Operable: Designing Functional Interfaces
Learn how to make digital interfaces operable for users with diverse abilities, including keyboard navigation and accessible control mechanisms.
- Lab: Creating keyboard-accessible navigation
- Lab: Designing intuitive form controls
• 2.3 Understandable: Clear and Consistent Design
Understand how to make content and design easy to comprehend, using clear language, logical layout, and predictable functionality.
- Lab: Designing for readability and cognitive load
• 2.4 Robust: Future-Proofing Your Design
Discover ways to ensure your design remains accessible across various devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.
- Lab: Testing your design on multiple platforms and with screen readers
• 3.1 Introduction to WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
Deep dive into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and their application to digital design.
• 3.2 Levels of Conformance: A, AA, and AAA
Learn about the different levels of accessibility conformance and how to prioritize accessibility improvements.
• 3.3 Evaluating Your Website for WCAG Compliance
- Lab: Conducting an accessibility audit using online tools
• 4.1 Designing for Visual Impairments (Including Color Blindness)
Learn how to optimize your design for people with visual impairments, using contrast, screen readers, and magnification tools.
- Lab: Implementing high-contrast color schemes
• 4.2 Designing for Auditory Disabilities
Discover ways to make multimedia content accessible to users with hearing impairments, including transcripts and sign language options.
- Lab: Adding captions to videos
• 4.3 Designing for Motor Disabilities
Learn best practices for designing websites and apps that are easy to navigate for users with motor impairments.
- Lab: Simplifying navigation and form inputs for motor disabilities
• 4.4 Designing for Cognitive Disabilities
Explore strategies to simplify content and interface design to support users with cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, or neurological conditions.
- Lab: Reducing cognitive load through simple UI design
Module 5: Tools and Resources for Accessible Design
• 5.1 Accessibility Evaluation Tools
Explore various online tools and plugins that help evaluate the accessibility of digital designs.
• 5.2 Assistive Technology Simulations
Experience how users with disabilities interact with websites using screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive technologies.
Module 6: Best Practices for Ongoing Accessibility
• 6.1 Creating an Accessibility Plan for Your Organization
Learn how to develop a comprehensive accessibility plan that integrates POUR principles into your design process.
• 6.2 Accessibility Testing and Maintenance
Understand the importance of continuous accessibility testing and strategies to keep your digital designs inclusive over time.
• 6.3 Case Studies of Successful Accessible Designs
Review real-world examples of websites and applications that have successfully implemented accessibility standards.
• 7.1 Capstone Project: Designing an Accessible Web Page
Apply all the concepts learned in the course by designing a fully accessible web page, meeting WCAG 2.1 guidelines and incorporating POUR principles. Participants will receive feedback on their designs.
________________________________________
Assessment
• Quizzes and Knowledge Checks
Each module will contain quizzes and exercises to reinforce the principles and practices discussed.
• Final Project Evaluation
The capstone project will be assessed for accessibility, usability, and compliance with WCAG standards.
