What Is Accessibility Testing in Software Testing? Importance & Examples
The evolution of digital accessibility as an essential element of software development, has created needs for all solutions as they are being created for all users of that solution which now encompasses users with disabilities, as well. Accessibility testing is the testing of the digital content from any application or website to ensure that all users can use that content.
As a result of accessibility testing, teams can ensure that the digital content can be easily accessed and used by users that have a disability. Accessibility testing provides for equal access to digital content for all users of web and mobile applications.The intent of this guide is to define accessibility testing in software testing, what accessibility testing is and why accessibility testing is important, how to conduct accessibility testing for all web pages and digital content, and what tools are available to test your content for accessibility prior to having your users encounter any accessibility issues.
What Is Accessibility Testing?
Accessibility testing is to confirm whether users with disabilities can utilize the produced solution. Accessibility testing involves testing all interactive elements across web pages and mobile applications to see how each can support the assistive technologies utilized by users with a disability.
The accessibility testing process ensures that visually impaired users have equal access to all areas of the Internet, and it identifies basic accessibility issues to teams prior to a user’s encounter with that content. Accessibility testing provides support for compliance with legal requirements for accessibility.
Why Accessibility Testing Matters?
Supports All Types of Users
Accessibility Testing provides support to individuals with disabilities so that they can access all types of digital content. In addition, Accessibility Testing allows individuals who use assistive devices such as screen readers and speech recognition software to benefit from an accessible website.
Improves Digital Access
Accessibility Testing ensures that digital content is accessible for all users. This includes evaluating websites and mobile applications for their ability to provide access to users who may have vision or cognitive limitations.
Therefore, creating tools for all users creates a more accessible global marketplace for Technology and information.
Meets Legal and Industry Standards
The Accessibility Testing process assists companies in complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act and other laws pertaining to Accessibility. For example, businesses that are required by law to provide services to the general public or the federal government must provide equal access to all users.
Types Of Users Who Benefit From Accessibility Testing
Users With Visual Impairments
Screen readers are used by visually impaired users. In addition, the use of properly structured headings and proper use of ALT text allows visually impaired users to effectively utilize screen readers.
Users With Hearing or Motor Challenges
Captions and transcripts assist users with hearing impairments. Keyboard Navigation and Voice Recognition Software (VRS) will assist users who are not able to use a mouse due to a physical limitation. In addition, individuals with cognitive impairments will be able to navigate through a website more easily by utilizing a clear and simple layout.
Users With Temporary or Age-Related Limits
Older adults commonly have mild vision and mobility limitations. Temporary physical limitations (such as having a broken arm) create barriers to completing everyday tasks. Therefore creating an accessible design will enhance the user experience for all.
The Four Principles Of Accessibility
Perceivable Content For All Users
Content must be accessible by senses a user has. Images need text alternatives and audio needs captions to be comprehensible. You can’t rely on colour alone to convey important meaning.
Operable Interfaces And Navigation
Interfaces must work for users with whatever device they’re using to input to them. Users who can’t use a mouse need keyboard accessible interfaces. Navigation must be consistent and predictable across devices.
Understandable Information And Operation
Text must be clear and easy to follow. Forms need clear instructions and understandable error messages. Predictable consistent behaviour helps users with cognitive impairments move with confidence.
Robust Compatibility With Technologies
Content must work with all Assistive Technology. Code must be compliant with standards so tools can understand it. Testing with many devices helps ensure long-term digital accessibility.
Types Of System Testing
Functional Testing
Functional testing verifies whether the system can do what it claims to do by providing evidence that meets the functional expectations of the user. Functional testing includes all of the major functions of the software, and test cases are generated that reflect what the system is supposed to do and how it should respond.
Functional testing verifies that all of the functions of the system operate appropriately for users who interact with them throughout different processes, such as a normal user or in edge cases. All of the functionality of the system should meet the specifications and business requirements specified in the documents outlining the design of the system for all functional areas.
Performance Related Testing
Performance testing measures the speed and stability of any given software system. It looks at user response times when interacting with features and tracks the system’s performance under various types of load.
Load testing simulates multiple users accessing a software system at once to determine the maximum amount of user traffic that can be supported by the integrated system. In order to achieve accurate load testing results, the load test environment should be set up in the same way that real users would use the system.
Stress Testing tests the software system beyond its normal operating limits to determine the point of failure for the system and how well the system will recover from that failure. Scalability Testing ensures that the software system can grow to meet future demands.
Security and Recovery Testing
Security Testing ensures that the software system is protected against any types of malicious attacks or threats. Security Testing identifies any vulnerabilities in the software system that hackers may utilize to gain access to sensitive data and also prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Recovery Testing enables software testers to crash the software system intentionally to verify how well the system can recover from a failure and how quickly the system can restore itself to normal operations. Recovery Testing is vital for establishing the reliability of the software system.
Migration Testing enables users to migrate between different operating systems/platforms without losing any data and to ensure that all data is transferred properly. Interoperability testing verifies the ability of a software system to work in conjunction with other software/hardware platforms without experiencing compatibility issues.
Usability & Compatibility Testing
Usability Testing evaluates how easy it will be for end-users to use the software. The Usability Testing team observes how real users utilize the software solution and notes which areas of the application present any challenges to them.
The software’s functionality should be simple and straightforward. Usability Testing uses scenarios based on typical tasks that will be performed by the user. Successful Usability Testing will result in improved user experience prior to launching the software.
Compatibility Testing ensures that the software solution will operate correctly in a variety of different environments. Compatibility Testing includes testing on different operating system and hardware configurations. Compatibility Testing ensures that the integrated software solution operates properly regardless of how the user has set up their environment.
Principles Of Accessibility
Perceivable Content For All Users
Users should have access to content using the same senses they have. Images must have alternative text available while audio must include captions to improve clarity. Colour alone cannot convey the full meaning of something.
Operable Interfaces And Navigation
All users should be able to operate user interfaces with any means of input they choose. Users who cannot use a mouse must be able to access websites using their keyboard. Navigation should be consistent and predictable on all devices.
Understandable Information And Operation
The text must be simple and easy for users to follow. In addition to providing clear instructions for filling out forms, testers must also provide clear instructions about their errors. Predictable behaviour and actions will help people with cognitive disabilities feel comfortable when using websites.
Robust Compatibility With Technologies
All assistive technology should work with content accurately. Therefore, coding should follow the appropriate format to allow all assistive technologies to interpret the code the same way. Testing on as many devices as possible will ensure that your digital property is accessible to the future.
Types of Accessibility Testing
Manual Accessibility Testing
Manual accessibility testing involves using humans to test your software on its ability to be used by everyone regardless of ability. Manual accessibility testers use various tools like NVDA and JAWS to find all the information provided to users of screen readers on a webpage and to ensure that it is all found in the same way as it would be for a person who uses a mouse.
Manual accessibility testing identifies many navigation issues that would be missed by automated tools, such as confusing navigation flows.
Automated Accessibility Testing
Automated accessibility testing tools will perform a quick scan of the content of your website for basic accessibility problems. These tools will scan for the colour contrast and missing alt text on a webpage. The scanning of an entire site can identify the common problems that exist on a site in a very short amount of time (usually less than 10 minutes).
Automated accessibility testing tools such as AXE and WAVE are very helpful for developers who are in the process of developing their website and want to perform automated accessibility testing.
Screen Reader Accessibility Testing
The purpose of screen reader testing is to confirm that an assistive technology (such as a screen reader) works effectively with your web content. The two most popular screen readers are JAWS and NVDA (Windows versions). It is important to test with as many different screen readers as possible to ensure that screen reader users have a satisfactory experience with the content being presented to them on your site.
Ensure that all content on your website, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is presented properly when a screen reader user accesses the site. Check that all interactive elements have clearly defined labels that a screen reader can access and read to the user. Navigation landmarks are also extremely helpful for screen reader users when navigating to different parts of a webpage quickly and easily.
Make sure to test forms to ensure that the screen reader user can see the label assigned to them when they attempt to fill out the form. Additionally, assure that any error message (if present) is read to the user by the screen reader.
Keyboard Navigation Testing
The purpose of keyboard functionality testing is to determine that a user can navigate your web application using only the keyboard (without a mouse). Keyboard navigation testing should use the Tab key to cycle through all of the interactive elements on a webpage in a logical order. All buttons and links must be accessible by keyboard navigation Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
When using keyboard navigation, it is vital that users always know which element is focused on the webpage. Users should also have the option of skipping the repeated navigation options to reach the main content of the webpage by using skip links.
Make sure to test dropdown menus to ensure they can be accessed using only keyboard controls. Test that dropdown menus can be accessed using only keyboard controls. Test that all forms can be completed using only the keyboard. Keyboard functionality testing will provide assurance to users with mobility impairments that they will be able to access all areas of your web application.
Accessibility Testing Process
Planning Your Approach to Testing
Determine which accessibility standards you will be testing against. Create test plans that contain both automated and manual tasks, incorporating accessibility testing from the start of your project, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Creating a Test Environment
Install screen readers (and set the keyboard navigation settings) on your browser and OS. Test on a browser, different OSs(desktop, laptop, and real devices!), fully document this environment.
Running Automated Scans
Use automated tools to capture easy-to-find mistakes quickly. Look at what has been found, and make sure you begin with the issues which make the most difference to real users. Consider putting your automated tests within your build pipeline for regular scans.
Manual Testing
Manually moving through your site with just a keyboard is an effective assistive technology test. Try using your site using a screen reader, you will soon get an impression of what your users experience. Bring users along for important insights.
Documentation and Reporting of Issues
For each problem, record how to reproduce it. Track issues in the system of your project and give it a priority. Provide monthly accessibility reports on the state of your issue resolution, and your teams will build up trust in your testing.
Benefits of Accessibility Testing
Reaching a wider target audience
Reaching more people. Through accessibility testing, you are reaching those people with disabilities that can now use your content through the aid of assistive technologies. You also open the door to improved searching for Google and improved site usability.
Legal protection and compliance
Protection from lawsuits and probable complaints. Laws such as) the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) cover websites and other mobile development. Regular testing helps maintain accessibility compliance and protects your organization.
Better user experience
Not only users with disabilities benefit from better usability – add ons through accessibility features help everyone using your products. Just by getting a clear navigational flow through your content users, the common user sees significant benefits too, and a lot more.
Testing often shows up that usability across different platforms. Affect – great design means likely shared issues. Everyone wins.
Brand recognition
Demonstrate that you as a brand think of everyone that access your services and content is being made equal. They know that you take a stand. Users rely on brands that support accessibility, and it pays to see you getting it done right.
Common Accessibility Issues Found In Testing
- Issues with Visual Elements
Images without alternative text prevent screen readers from interpreting the image. Switch the order of primary and alternative image text to utilize screen reader graphics. Missing contrast creates poor readability for users. Images containing text can create confusion for assistive technologies.
- Navigation and Interaction
If a website relies solely upon a mouse action to navigate the site, keyboard navigation may cease to function. In addition, focus indicators can be unclear or missing altogether. Gestures requiring multiple hand motions can hinder users with motor impairments.
- Problems with Forms and Input
Lack of labels create confusion for screen readers. Error messages are often unclear. Required form fields should be marked with a clear written label rather than with a coloured label alone.
- Problems with Content Structure
Incorrectly formatted headers complicate navigation for screen reader users. Missing landmarks make it nearly impossible for screen reader users to find their way around the page. A poorly formatted list or table may make it difficult for users to understand the content.
Best Practices for Effective Accessibility Testing
- Start Testing Early
When designing a website, incorporate accessibility into the designs from day one. Use automated accessibility testing tools during the design and development process. Train your staff so that the accessibility testing process becomes a regular part of your company’s routines.
- Use Multiple Testing Methods
Utilise both automated scanning tools and manual accessibility testing processes. Test your website using assistive technologies. For most effective results, include users with disabilities as testers to obtain their valuable feedback.
- Document Everything
Document any problems or issues discovered during testing, the resolution of the issue(s), a copy of the test plan and notes on the test environment used. The use of clear, complete documentation offers the best chance to meet compliance with accessibility requirements.
- Make It a Team Effort
Developers and designers should always consider accessibility during the development phase of any project. Accessibility should be incorporated into all development processes and be a part of teamwork. Sharing responsibility for accessibility will yield better results.
Accessibility Testing Tools You Should Use
- Automated Testing tools
Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse are examples of Automated Testing tools which can scan web pages to identify any Accessibility Issues that may exist. They also provide a Visual Report that can be used by designers to enhance all phases of design during the development process
- Screen Reader Software Options
JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack are well-known Screen Readers. Each has its own way of reading. Therefore, it is important to test with a variety of Screen Readers to ensure that the content is compatible with all Screen Readers that are available.
- Browser Extensions For Quick Checks
Browser Extension tools that can highlight typical Accessibility issues during the creation of web pages. These tools will highlight Contrast Errors and Issues with Headings/Structure so the Developer can address these issues early on.
- Comprehensive Testing Platforms
Comprehensive Testing Platforms (Enterprise Platforms) provide an all-in-one environment where Automated Testing and Manual Testing can be performed.
Comprehensive Testing Platforms (Enterprise Platforms) enable teams to collaborate and keep track of Compliance History, Audit Trail, and participate in multi-phase audits for large and complex websites with many Accessibility requirements.
Conclusion
Digital Accessibility Testing is an essential part of ensuring that digital content is usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Automated accessibility testing tools and human review of web pages are critical components of this type of testing.
Making digital accessibility a priority provides your organization with many advantages. Legal compliance, improved user experience, and an enhanced image or brand are three examples. If you want to create an inclusive digital experience for all individuals, start implementing testing for accessibility during each step in your software development cycle!
FAQs
Accessibility testing makes sure that everyone including people with disabilities can use your website or app. It means that your content works with assistive technologies and follows accessibility rules.
- What are the three types of accessibility testing?
The three types are automated testing manual testing and user testing with real users who have disabilities. Each of these finds different types of accessibility issues.
- Which tool is best for accessibility testing?
Axe WAVE and Lighthouse are a few of the popular tools for fast accessibility checks. They help you find common issues and improve things you can fix.
- What are the 4 principles of accessibility testing?
The four principles of accessibility testing are as follows-
i) Perceivable Content For All Users
ii) Operable Interfaces And Navigation
iii) Understandable Information And Operation
iv) Robust Compatibility With Technologies
These principles come from WCAG and guide how digital content should work for everyone.
