How we make accessibility understandable and achievable
UX services
Accessibility audit
Accessibility consulting
Dev handoff
Quality assurance
Starting situation
Originally, Energymarket.solutions wanted to have one of their brand’s order process tested, but accessibility was a side issue. It quickly became clear that the implementation was more complex than expected.
Project objective
The journey of changing the energy provider was to be designed to be completely accessible. At the same time, the team should be enabled to continue working independently.
Result
Today, the journey of changing the provider is largely accessible. Further measures are specifically named in the accessibility declaration. The project’s learnings can now also be incorporated into other areas.
Realistic advice on a clear accessibility strategy
Originally, Energymarket.solution approached us with the request to have the order process of one of their brands checked by a UX test. At the same time, the team was already dealing with the question: How do we make our services accessible? Hopes were high that a few technical plugins would quickly complete the implementation. The fact is, however, that plugins do not find all problems and also like to sound false alarms. Not a reliable solution for a truly accessible website.
For this reason, we carried out a detailed accessibility audit following the UX tests – with an honest result: there were still many open issues. These findings turned the previous planning of energymarket.solution upside down, but at the same time were the starting point for an intensive rethink.
From UX testing to your own accessibility competence
How an initial review sparked sustainable change
Accessibility audit
As part of a UX test, we conducted a supplementary audit. The results revealed specific opportunities for improvement and led to a reorientation of the accessibility strategy.
Developer handoff
All identified barriers were documented as clear, well-structured tickets, including tips and information on how to address them.
Quality assurance
The measures were implemented in stages by the Development team and continuously reviewed by us.
Extension to other products
Energy Market Solutions can now apply the solutions it has developed to other brands within the company.
Accessibility statement
Thanks to the audit and the optimizations, the current status was accurately documented in the accessibility statement and communicated transparently.
How accessibility became a reality
Today, the ordering process is largely accessible, except for PDFs, which are to follow in a next step. The newly gained knowledge has already been transferred to other products. The company’s accessibility statement now also contains precise information on the status and the next steps.
An aha moment was dealing with dynamic form fields, which change depending on the selection (e.g. private or business customer) – a real hurdle for screen readers. Contrast errors, unlabeled icons or the lack of alternative navigation paths were also identified and corrected.
Accessibility is more complex than we thought—a plugin alone isn’t enough. Userlutions gave us honest advice and empowered us with clear explanations and practical implementation tips.
Customer
Kirsten Hering, Corporate Communications,
Energy Market Solutions
Where do you want to start? Let’s talk—no strings attached.
Birgit Bärnreuther
Head of Consulting
+49 30 / 544 870 24
(Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Birgit Bärnreuther, Head of Consulting
+49 30 / 544 870 24
(Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.)