How to avoid costly accessibility rework when building a new application

Although developing a new application is  exciting, ignoring accessibility can result in expensive rework, delays, and even harm to a business's reputation. By addressing accessibility in early development, you can prevent last-minute modifications that put a strain on your budget and schedule while also ensuring that your application is all inclusive. This blog will outline the actionable strategies you can do to avoid costly accessibility rework, ensuring your application is user-friendly, compliant and ready to succeed.

Why Is It Expensive?

Implementing accessibility after development in a project is a complex and resource-heavy challenge. This is due to many factors including

Time wasting: 

Resolving accessibility problems after launch frequently necessitates extensive code rewriting or redesigns. For example, you might need to redesign your entire website if your navigation menus aren't keyboard-accessible. This can then delay timelines and shift focus away from other key deliverables.

Compliance Risks: Accessibility is a legal requirement in Australia and many countries, with standards like WCAG 2.2 outlining mandatory compliance. Ignoring accessibility can then lead to lawsuits, fines and restricted access to markets.

Reputation Damage: Users encountering barriers with your digital product are likely to leave and not return. An inaccessible product then reflects poorly on your business’s values and commitment to inclusivity.

How to stop this? 

Integrate Accessibility From The Start

The best way to avoid costly rework is to prioritize accessibility from day one.  Start by clearly defining accessibility as a priority in your project scope. For example aiming to meet the standards of  WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance. Assembling a team or hiring a 3rd party such as Cali Digital is then needed with web designers trained in inclusive design, code and experience in accessibility testing. Lastly you must adopt those standards into all forms of your workplace. This can occur through shared checklists, documentation and training resources with your team.

Create Good Habits During The Design Phase

This involves selecting colour palettes with sufficient contrast, adding alt text for visuals, and ensuring designs are keyboard-navigable. 

Test Early 

Frequent testing throughout development is crucial to minimise issues and keep accessibility a priority. Regular checks help identify potential barriers early, ensuring that accessibility is integrated seamlessly into the project from start to finish. Read more on testing early here in this separate blog. 

At Cali Digital, we specialise in inclusive design and are committed to helping you integrate accessibility seamlessly into your organisation. Cali Digital can help you plan achievable and realistic Accessibility plans that match deployment cycles in your organisation.  Contact us to book a consultation meeting and learn more.