AI Response Comparison: Designing a website for Inclusivity and Accessibility

Crafting an Inclusive User Experience: A Deep Dive into Accessibility for Diverse Learners

In today’s world, designing anything for public use must consider inclusivity and accessibility as a vital planning requirement before taking on the venture. Enlisting AI assistance to automate designing for inclusivity and accessibility can bring about a new level of accessibility and inclusivity. With a vast knowledge base, AI Platforms can help designers create accessible designs by suggesting accessibility features, best practices, and considerations for the diverse range of abilities. This reduces the time and effort spent on researching and implementing accessibility solutions, enabling UX designers to focus on creating experiences that cater to a broader audience.
Designing a website that caters to all learners, regardless of their abilities or background, is both a challenge and a rewarding endeavor. Let’s delve into some insights drawn from responses to a prompt about creating an inclusive and accessible website for learning about personal taxes. In this blog post I prompt the three Major AI Platforms (ChatGPT 4o, Google Gemini Advanced, and Copilot Pro Web) with a request to assist with the design of an educational website that will teach people how to manage their personal taxes.

The Prompt

As a User Experience (UX) designer, I am working on designing an educational website on how to manage personal taxes that needs to be inclusive and accessible to all users. Can you suggest some inclusivity and accessibility features and best practices that I should consider? Our target audience includes people with diverse abilities such as being neurodivergent, visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, motor impairments, and speaking their only language that is other than English. Also, can you suggest some design considerations that I should keep in mind to ensure that the product is easy to use for people with diverse abilities? Next, how would I design the initial landing page so that all these different requirements are met on that single page to where I can diversify the content for the particular diversity needed after their selection on the initial page? Or, is that not a good approach to begin with?

AI Responses

ChatGPT 4o

Designing an inclusive and accessible educational website for managing personal taxes involves several key considerations to accommodate diverse abilities. Here are some inclusivity and accessibility features and best practices to consider:

Inclusivity and Accessibility Features:

1. Screen Reader Compatibility:
   • Use semantic HTML to ensure content is properly structured and understandable by screen readers.
   • Provide alt text for all images and meaningful descriptions for charts and graphs.
   • Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) landmarks and roles to improve navigation.
2. Keyboard Navigation:
   • Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links, forms) are accessible via keyboard.
   • Provide visible focus indicators to help users see which element is currently focused.
3. Color Contrast and Text Size:
   • Use high contrast between text and background colors to aid readability.
   • Allow users to adjust text size without breaking the layout.
   • Avoid relying solely on color to convey information (use icons, labels, or text as well).
4. Captioning and Transcripts:
   • Provide captions for all video content.
   • Offer transcripts for audio content to aid users with hearing impairments.
5. Language Support:
   • Include multilingual support for users whose first language is not English.
   • Use simple language and avoid jargon to aid comprehension for users with cognitive disabilities.
6. Consistent Navigation and Layout:
   • Keep navigation consistent across pages to avoid confusion.
   • Use a clear and logical layout to help users with cognitive impairments.
7. Forms and Input Fields:
   • Label all form fields clearly and provide instructions where necessary.
   • Implement error messages that are descriptive and offer guidance on how to correct mistakes.
8. Motor Impairments:
   • Ensure clickable areas are large enough to be easily targeted.
   • Offer alternatives to mouse input, such as voice control or adaptive technologies.
9. Neurodivergence Considerations:
   • Avoid flashing or flickering content to prevent triggering seizures.
   • Provide a clean and uncluttered interface to minimize distractions.

Design Considerations for the Initial Landing Page:

When designing the initial landing page to accommodate diverse abilities, consider the following:

1. Welcome Message and Purpose:
   • Clearly state the purpose of the website and provide a brief overview of the content available.
2. Language Selection:
   • Offer a prominent language selection option for users who speak languages other than English.
3. Accessibility Settings:
   • Provide an accessibility settings panel where users can customize their experience (e.g., adjust text size, contrast, screen reader settings).
4. Clear Navigation:
   • Use simple and intuitive navigation menus with clear labels.
   • Include a search bar for users who prefer to find content directly.
5. Help and Support:
   • Offer easy access to help and support options, such as live chat, FAQs, and contact information.
6. User Pathways:
   • Consider creating user pathways that guide users to specific content based on their needs (e.g., “I’m a first-time filer,” “I need help with deductions,” “I have a disability”).

Diversifying Content After Initial Selection:

Rather than attempting to diversify content on the initial landing page, it might be more effective to direct users to customized experiences based on their initial selection. Here’s a suggested approach:

1. Initial Assessment or Choice:
   • Include an initial assessment or choice on the landing page where users can select their primary need or identify any specific accessibility requirements.
2. Customized Landing Pages:
   • Redirect users to customized landing pages based on their selection, where content is tailored to their specific needs and accessibility preferences.
3. Consistent Core Features:
   • Ensure that core accessibility features (keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, etc.) are consistent across all pages.

Example Layout for Initial Landing Page:

1. Header:
   • Logo
   • Language selection dropdown
   • Accessibility settings icon
2. Main Content Area:
   • Welcome message and brief overview
   • Clear, prominent call-to-action buttons for common user pathways (e.g., “Start Here,” “Accessibility Options,” “Help with Filing Taxes”)
3. Navigation Menu:
   • Simple and intuitive links to major sections of the site
4. Footer:
   • Contact information
   • Links to support resources
   • Social media links (if applicable)

Conclusion:

Designing for inclusivity and accessibility requires careful consideration of diverse user needs and preferences. Providing a customizable and intuitive user experience from the initial landing page can help ensure that all users can effectively navigate and benefit from the educational content on managing personal taxes.

Google Gemini Advanced

Absolutely! Designing an inclusive and accessible educational website about personal taxes is a commendable goal. Here’s a breakdown of features, best practices, and design considerations to guide you:

Inclusivity and Accessibility Features:

• Multilingual Support: Offer content in multiple languages beyond English. Provide clear language selection options on the landing page and throughout the site.
• Alternative Text for Images: Include descriptive alternative text (alt text) for all images, charts, and graphs. This allows screen readers to convey visual information to users with visual impairments.
• Captions and Transcripts for Videos: Provide captions and transcripts for all video content. This accommodates users with hearing impairments and those who prefer to read instead of listen.
• Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) are accessible using a keyboard alone, without a mouse. This is essential for users with motor impairments.
• Clear and Concise Language: Use plain language and avoid jargon. Break down complex concepts into simpler steps. This benefits users with cognitive disabilities and those learning English as a second language.
• Adjustable Font Size and Contrast: Allow users to adjust font size and color contrast to their preferences. This helps users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
• Screen Reader Compatibility: Design your website’s structure and code to be compatible with screen readers. This technology reads website content aloud for users with visual impairments.
• Avoid Flashing or Blinking Content: Flashing or blinking content can trigger seizures in some users. Stick to static content or provide warnings.

Design Considerations:

• Simple and Intuitive Navigation: Use a clear and consistent navigation menu. Organize content logically and provide breadcrumbs to help users understand their location on the site.
• Visual Hierarchy: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to structure content. This makes it easier for users to scan and find information quickly.
• Whitespace: Use ample white space to avoid clutter and improve readability.
• Consistent Layout: Maintain a consistent layout throughout the site. This helps users know where to find information and creates a sense of familiarity.

Landing Page Design Approach:

Your approach of diversifying content based on user selection on the landing page is a good starting point. There are a couple of approaches you can take, each with its pros and cons:

Approach 1: Single Landing Page with Diverse Content

• How it works:
  • The initial landing page presents a clear overview of the website’s purpose and content.
  • It includes options for users to personalize their experience based on their needs and preferences. These options could be presented as:
    • Clear, descriptive links/buttons: e.g., “Learn with Videos,” “Explore Text-Based Guides,” “Accessibility Options”
    • A brief questionnaire: Asking about preferred learning style, accessibility needs, etc.
  • Once users make a selection, the content dynamically adapts or directs them to the most relevant resources.
• Pros:
  • A single entry point simplifies navigation and reduces potential confusion.
  • Offers immediate personalization options.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity from the start.
• Cons:
  • The landing page could become cluttered if not designed carefully.
  • Users might miss the personalization options if they are not prominently displayed.
  • Designing content that dynamically adapts to diverse needs can be technically challenging.

Approach 2: Separate Landing Pages for Different Audiences

• How it works:
  • The main landing page directs users to different landing pages tailored to specific audiences (e.g., “For Visual Learners,” “For Screen Reader Users,” “Easy Read Version”).
  • Each landing page would have content and design optimized for that particular audience.
• Pros:
  • Allows for highly targeted content and design for each audience.
  • Easier to implement technically.
• Cons:
  • Requires users to self-identify and choose the right landing page.
  • Could lead to a fragmented user experience if not well-integrated.
  • Might not be suitable for users with multiple needs (e.g., someone who is both neurodivergent and has low vision).

Which approach is better?

It depends on several factors, including:

• Complexity of your content: If you have a vast amount of diverse content, separate landing pages might be more manageable.
• Technical resources: Dynamically adapting content requires more technical expertise.
• User research: Conduct user testing to understand your target audience’s preferences and how they navigate similar websites.

Recommendation:

A hybrid approach might be the best solution.

1. Start with a single landing page: Keep it clean, uncluttered, and focused on the website’s purpose.
2. Offer prominent personalization options: Use clear language and visually distinct elements (e.g., icons, buttons) to guide users to the most relevant content.
3. Create separate, optimized pages for specific needs: This allows you to tailor the content and design more effectively for specific disabilities or learning styles.
4. Cross-link between pages: Ensure that users can easily navigate between different versions of the content if their needs change.

Additional Tips for the Landing Page:

• Clear and concise headline: Immediately convey the purpose of the website (e.g., “Master Your Taxes with Ease”).
• Brief introduction: Explain what the website offers and how it can benefit users.
• Visual hierarchy: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize content and make it scannable.
• Call to action: Encourage users to explore the website (e.g., “Start Learning,” “Find Your Path”).
• Accessibility statement: Link to a page outlining your commitment to accessibility and providing contact information for users who need assistance.

Additional Tips:

• User Testing: Conduct user testing with individuals from your target audience to get feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Accessibility Evaluation: Consider having an accessibility expert evaluate your website for compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Remember, the key is to make the landing page inviting, informative, and easy to navigate for all users, regardless of their abilities or preferences. Let me know if you’d like more specific guidance on any of these aspects or help with designing specific page elements.

Copilot Pro Web

Designing an inclusive and accessible educational website is a commendable initiative. Here are some key features, best practices, and design considerations you should consider:

Inclusivity and Accessibility Features:

1. Alternative Formats for Content: Providing content in multiple formats is crucial. This includes text, audio, video, and infographics. This ensures that users can consume the content in a format that suits their needs and abilities.
2. Captioning Videos: Videos should include captions. This assists users with hearing impairments by providing a text alternative to the audio content.
3. Screen Reader Compatibility: Your website should be compatible with screen readers. This is essential for visually impaired users who rely on these tools to read out the content on the screen.
4. Inclusive Design Principles: Implementing principles of inclusive design can make your website more accessible. These principles include equitable use (the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities), flexibility in use (the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities), simple and intuitive use (the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level), perceptible information (the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities), tolerance for error (the design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions), and low physical effort (the design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue).
5. Accessible Educational Technology: Using hardware and software designed to provide all learners with access to the content in digital materials can make your website more inclusive. This includes technologies like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, word prediction, and other assistive technologies.
6. Language Accessibility: Your website should cater to individuals of diverse ages and abilities, including those with cognitive disabilities, limited literacy, and non-native English speakers. This can be achieved by providing multilingual website versions, translatable navigation menus, alt text that’s easily readable and understandable, and audio and video content that accommodates end users with limited literacy skills.

Design Considerations:

1. User Personas: Including personas with varying abilities in your design process can help you better understand the needs of your users and design a more inclusive website.
2. Equitable Use: Your design should accommodate people with diverse abilities without segregating or stigmatizing any group. This means that the design should be appealing and usable for all users, regardless of their abilities.
3. Flexibility in Use: Your design should be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs of users. This means that the design should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
4. Simple and Intuitive Use: Complexity in design can pose barriers for individuals with cognitive or sensory impairments. Therefore, your design should be simple and intuitive to use.
5. Perceptible Information: Information should be provided through multiple sensory modalities—visual, auditory, tactile. This ensures that users can perceive the information regardless of their sensory abilities.
6. Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language that can be easily understood by non-native speakers. Avoid using complex vocabulary or idioms that may be difficult to translate or understand.
7. Icons and Imagery: Use icons and imagery to convey meaning, as they can be easily understood across different languages and cultures.

Landing Page Design:

1. Uncluttered Page Design: The landing page design must immediately capture attention and guide the visitor toward the desired action. This means that the design should be clean and uncluttered, with a clear focus on the main action you want the user to take.
2. Concise Content: The content on your landing page should be concise and focused. This means that the user path should be clear and the content should be narrowly focused on the main action you want the user to take.
3. Speak to Various Audience Segments: Your landing page should appeal to multiple audience segments. This means that the design and content should be relevant and appealing to all your target users, regardless of their abilities or preferences.
4. Responsive Design: Your landing page should be responsive, ensuring seamless adaptability across diverse devices and screen sizes. This means that the design should look and function well on all devices, from desktops to tablets to mobile phones.
5. Easy Access to Language Options: Provide easy access to language options, so users can switch between languages easily. This could be a dropdown menu or a set of flags representing different languages.

As for your question about diversifying the content for the particular diversity needed after their selection on the initial page, it’s a good approach. It allows you to create a personalized experience for each user. However, ensure that the initial landing page is designed in a way that it’s easy for users to select their preference and that the selection process itself is accessible to all users.

Remember, the goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and included. Good luck with your project! 😊

The Analysis

ChatGPT 4.0: The Methodical Guide

ChatGPT 4.0 provided a comprehensive list of inclusivity and accessibility features, ranging from screen reader compatibility to multilingual support. It also offered a detailed breakdown of design considerations for the landing page and subsequent content pages. This methodical approach offers a solid foundation for understanding the various elements that contribute to an inclusive user experience.

Google Gemini Advanced: The Personalized Pathway

Google Gemini Advanced focused on creating a personalized user journey. It suggested two approaches for the landing page: one with diverse content options and another with separate landing pages for different audiences. This emphasis on tailoring the experience to individual needs aligns with the core principle of inclusivity.

Copilot Pro Web: The Inclusive Design Advocate

Copilot Pro Web emphasized the broader principles of inclusive design, highlighting the importance of equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, and perceptible information. It also stressed the need for accessible educational technology and language accessibility. This perspective encourages designers to think beyond specific features and consider the overall user experience from an inclusive lens.

Crafting a Master Response: The Power of Synthesis

By synthesizing the best aspects of each response, we can create a powerful roadmap for designing an inclusive website.

1. Landing Page: Start with a single, uncluttered landing page, as suggested by Google Gemini Advanced. Offer clear pathways for users to personalize their experience based on their needs and preferences, as emphasized by ChatGPT 4.0.
2. Diverse Content Formats: Provide content in various formats—text, audio, video, and infographics—to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, a key point from all three responses.
3. Accessibility Features: Incorporate essential features like captions, transcripts, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation, as highlighted by all three platforms.
4. Inclusive Design Principles: Embrace the broader principles of inclusive design advocated by Copilot Pro Web. Ensure equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, and perceptible information are woven into the fabric of the website.
5. Personalized User Journeys: Develop separate, optimized pages for specific needs, such as users with visual or hearing impairments, as suggested by Google Gemini Advanced.
6. Language Accessibility: Offer multilingual support and use clear, concise language to cater to users with diverse linguistic backgrounds, as emphasized by Copilot Pro Web.

The Challenge

I challenge you to use AI platforms like ChatGPT to explore inclusive design principles further. Experiment with prompts that address specific accessibility challenges, such as designing for users with cognitive disabilities or motor impairments. By actively engaging with AI, you can unlock a wealth of insights and creative solutions to enhance your work as a UX designer.

Conclusion

Designing an inclusive website is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and adaptation. By harnessing the power of AI and incorporating diverse perspectives, we can create digital spaces that truly empower all learners. Remember, inclusivity is not just a checkbox; it’s a commitment to creating a more equitable and accessible online world. Leverage AI Platforms in a way that makes you into a BETTER YOU!

About Lance Lingerfelt

Lance Lingerfelt is an M365 Specialist and Evangelist with over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field. Having worked in enterprise environments to small businesses, he is able to adapt and provide the best IT Training and Consultation possible. With a focus on AI, the M365 Stack, and Healthcare, he continues to give back to the community with training, public speaking events, and this blog.