Accessibility user testing
Accessibility testing is vital to making sure that digital services, systems and processes are accessible to everyone in UVic's diverse community. Automated testing tools help, but manual testing is necessary to identify all the barriers in a product, understand their impacts on your users, and make sure they comply with accessibility regulations.
Details
- Type
- Department-to-department service
- For
-
- Project managers
- Development teams
- Service and process owners
- Cost
-
- Free consultations
- $925 flat fee for testing (FAST transfer only)
Consultation process
All accessibility user tests begin with a consultation. We offer consultations for all types of digital systems, services and processes used at UVic.
Accessibility user test is a broad term we use to describe the different methods we use to find barriers in UVic's digital environment.
Our accessibility testers are trained in testing methods and have lived experience using assistive technology. They test using screen readers, which helps identify problems that are hidden in graphical UIs.
We also utilize industry-standard testing methods to find accessibility barriers as defined by WCAG 2.2 AA web standards.
The length of an accessibility user test depends on the complexity of your request. The main contributing factors are:
- type of service, system or process
- intended user base
- scheduling
Screen reader tests typically require a 2 - 3 hour time block and require participation from a product owner or developer.
Other types of test may be shorter or be done without needing a group meeting.
How it works
- You book a consultation and explain the UVic service, system or process you want tested.
- We meet with you and ask follow-up questions to determine the type of accessibility user test you need.
- We'll work with you to write a testing scripts, organize a testing session, and analyze the outcomes.
- We'll provide you with session recordings and a comprehensive report with insight about barriers that were identified and how to solve them.
Types of accessibility user test
The most common type of accessibility user test we perform are screen reader tests, but you may only need a consultation with resources and coaching.
The $925 testing package includes:
- help crafting an effective testing script
- up to 3 hours of user testing with an accessibility tester
- an audio and video recording of the testing session
- a comprehensive report on the results
Testing reports include:
- a comprehensive list of accessible barriers that were identified
- explanations of how
- actionable recommendations to resolve the issues
Our reports focus on accessibility barriers, but testing sessions often reveal problems and areas for improvement that affect everyone. They can also validate good design decisions and inform best practices.
Our accessibility testers are blind or visually impaired UVic students, employees and community members who use screen readers and other assistive tech in their day-to-day lives.
Request a consultation
Contact us for a free consultation. We can discuss your project and how to get the most benefit from a testing session.