Optimizing Accessibility in UX Design through the Integration of Artificial Intelligence

Sammanfattning

This study aims to investigate whether artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized in the user experience design process to enhance the accessibility of websites for users with diverse needs and abilities. With the implementation of the European Accessibility Act into Swedish law, many websites will need to meet specific accessibility requirements, including WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This is a substantial task, and AI has the potential to be a tool for UX designers to facilitate this work. Can accessibility tools utilizing AI be useful for UX designers and contribute to a more efficient design process? By following the Design Thinking methodology, the problem was identified, defined, and concretized. Previous research in the areas of accessibility, UX, and AI, with stakeholder interviews, and market analysis, provided a foundation for understanding the problem. Subsequently, three AI tools for accessibility were identified and evaluated through market analysis and a two-step evaluation involving the target audience of UX designers. The result shows that both UX designers and experts in AI and accessibility generally have a positive attitude toward the use of AI tools. Their willingness to use AI as a supportive tool confirms the potential of these technologies to improve the design process and result in more accessible user interfaces. When evaluating the accessibility of three different interfaces, the tools identified varying levels of accessibility shortcomings based on WCAG accessibility requirements. To ensure an accessible website according to the accessibility act, it may therefore require the use of multiple tools in combination or manual work. The results of the workshop with UX designers indicated that AI-generated accessibility suggestions can be relevant and contribute to efficiency. However, some limitations still make it important to involve human input in the design process.