In the world of software development, the backlog is often seen as a treasure trove of future enhancements and bug fixes. This is like the treasures sent straight to The Poolroom in the movie The Castle. However, when it comes to accessibility issues, treating them like prized items to be admired later can have serious consequences for both users and businesses alike. In this article, we’ll explore why digital accessibility issues should not be relegated to the backlog and the pitfalls of doing so.
Why is it a problem?
Accessibility is not just a feature; it’s a fundamental aspect of inclusive design that ensures digital products and services are usable by everyone. All too often, accessibility issues are treated as secondary concerns, pushed to the bottom of the backlog and deprioritised in favour of more visible or revenue-generating features.
This approach can have significant ramifications. First and foremost, it perpetuates discrimination and exclusion, denying individuals with disabilities equal access to digital resources and opportunities. Moreover, it puts businesses at risk of legal action, reputational damage, and loss of customers and revenue. Accessibility lawsuits on the rise and regulatory requirements are becoming more stringent. Ignoring accessibility is not just morally wrong; it’s also financially irresponsible.
Placing digital accessibility issues in the backlog also reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the agile development process. Agile principles emphasise delivering value to customers quickly and continuously iterating based on feedback. By delaying accessibility fixes, teams are failing to prioritise the needs of all users and missing out on valuable insights that could drive product improvements.
What can be done?
So, what can be done to address this issue? Firstly, organisations must recognise the importance of accessibility and embed it into their company culture and processes from the outset. This includes educating team members, integrating accessibility testing into the development lifecycle, and conducting user testing with people with disabilities.
Educating team members on accessibility best practices
It’s essential for all team members to understand the principles and techniques of digital accessibility. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, workshops, and continuous learning opportunities from reputable organisations with extensive knowledge of digital accessibility requirements. By doing so, everyone in the organisation can contribute to creating accessible products.
Integrating accessibility testing into the development lifecycle
Digital accessibility should be a part of the quality assurance process. This means incorporating accessibility checks at every stage of development, from initial design to final testing. Manual testing should be utilised to ensure comprehensive coverage. By doing so, teams can prevent issues from arising in the first place and ensure that digital products are accessible by design.
Conducting user testing with people with disabilities
Engaging individuals with disabilities in user testing ensure that real-world accessibility issues are identified and addressed. This hands-on approach provides invaluable insights into the user experience and helps create products that are truly equitable and inclusive.
In summary, placing accessibility issues in the backlog is a short-sighted approach that undermines the principles of inclusive design and exposes businesses to significant risks. To truly embrace digital accessibility and create digital experiences that are usable by all, organisations must prioritise accessibility from the outset and integrate it into every stage of the development lifecycle. This comprehensive approach to accessibility ensures that digital products are inclusive and beneficial to all users, ultimately contributing to the success and reputation of the organisation. By prioritising accessibility, we can ensure that everyone has equal access to the digital world and avoid the pitfalls of putting accessibility to the backburner.
If you’re not sure where to start or would like some support integrating accessibility into your ways of working, we’re here to help.
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