Accessibility Audit for Airbnb Homepage

 
 

Project: Translating WCAG into Practical Deliverables

Overview: To improve Airbnb's digital accessibility, I translated the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) into practical, role-specific deliverables. This initiative will empower designers and writers to seamlessly integrate accessible practices into their workflows, enhancing user experience for all guests.

Challenge:

The comprehensive nature of WCAG can be overwhelming, making it challenging for teams to apply these guidelines effectively. My objective was to distill these standards into clear, actionable insights tailored to the specific needs of:

  • Designers: Focusing on visual and interaction design elements.

  • Writers: Concentrating on clear, inclusive content creation.

Tools: WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool

Process:

1. Research and Analysis

  • Audit of Current Practices: Evaluated Airbnb's existing design and content strategies to identify accessibility gaps.

  • Prioritization: Identified key WCAG Success Criteria most relevant to Airbnb's platform and user interactions.

2. Development of Tailored Deliverables

For Writers:

  • Resource: "Inclusive Content Creation Guide"

    • Alt Text: Craft descriptive alternative text for images to support screen readers.

    • Link Text: Use descriptive phrases for hyperlinks to provide context, avoiding vague terms like "click here."

    • Plain Language: Employe clear and concise language to accommodate a diverse user base.

Example Alt Text:

  • Before: "Image of a house."

  • After: "A cozy cottage with a red door surrounded by a garden in full bloom."

Impact:

This project will not only enhance the accessibility of Airbnb's platform but also reinforce the company's commitment to inclusivity. By equipping teams with the knowledge and tools to implement accessible design and content, we will contribute to a more welcoming experience for all users.