Latest news with #WebContentAccessibilityGuidelines
Time Business News
24-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
How to Make Your Website Feel Human: The Art of Digital Empathy
People crave connection, even online. When users land on your site, they want more than information. They want to feel understood, valued, and heard. They want a seamless, welcoming experience that feels tailored just for them. But here's the problem: too many websites feel cold, robotic, and forgettable. They talk at users, not with them. The solution? Inject empathy into your web design and content strategy. Empathy bridges the gap between technology and humanity. It transforms websites from faceless tools into engaging experiences. It makes users feel seen, heard and understood. Let's explore how to create that connection through digital empathy. Ever bounced off a website within seconds? You're not alone. According to a study by the Nielsen Norman Group, users typically leave a webpage within 10 to 20 seconds if they don't feel engaged. That's brutal for any business or brand investing in a digital presence. So, what's driving this behaviour? Lack of emotional connection: Users don't feel like the site was designed for them, so they don't stick around. Users don't feel like the site was designed for them, so they don't stick around. Confusing layouts: They struggle to find what they're looking for, which leads to frustration. They struggle to find what they're looking for, which leads to frustration. Generic language: Everything sounds like it was written by a machine or someone who doesn't care. If you want visitors to stay, convert, and return, your website needs to feel human. Think about your own online habits. When was the last time you felt genuinely welcomed by a website? What made you stay? Understanding these moments can help you design a site that connects emotionally rather than just mechanically. Your design choices speak before your content does. They set the tone and shape user expectations. What story is your design telling? Empathy starts with inclusion. Can everyone use your site? Accessibility is often overlooked, but crucial. Websites that exclude people with disabilities risk alienating a large part of their audience and missing out on business opportunities. Here's what to consider: Use proper colour contrasts for visually impaired users. Text and background need to have enough difference to be readable, Ensure text is resizable without breaking layouts. Some users increase font size for comfort, Make navigation keyboard-friendly. Many users cannot use a mouse or prefer keyboards, Add descriptive alt text for images, so screen readers can convey meaning. Consider this: a 2023 WebAIM survey found that over 96% of homepages still have WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) failures. This means most websites are excluding people without even realising it. Do you know how accessible your site really is? Investing in accessibility is not just ethical, but smart business. Crowded designs overwhelm users. Too much information packed tightly leads to cognitive overload. White space, the empty space between elements, gives content room to breathe. It reduces cognitive load and increases readability. In fact, studies show that strategic use of white space between paragraphs and around margins can increase comprehension by up to 20%. Could your design benefit from breathing room? Less really can be more when it comes to layout. Humans are wired to respond to other humans. Eye-tracking studies show that users naturally focus on human faces before reading text. If your site currently shows only abstract graphics or stock images of random objects, ask yourself: Are you missing an opportunity to build a connection? Consider using authentic images of real people, team members, clients, or users, to create trust and familiarity. Now, let's talk words. Your copy isn't just delivering facts. It's having a conversation. Drop the corporate jargon. Speak naturally. Say this: 'We're here to help you build the website your business deserves.' Not this: 'Our solutions leverage cutting-edge methodologies for optimal online presence.' Tone matters. A conversational style lowers psychological distance between brand and user. Is your brand voice sounding like a person or like a corporate memo? What's keeping your audience up at night? Are they worried their site looks outdated, frustrated with low conversion rates or confused about SEO? A well-placed question in your copy can instantly signal that you understand their struggle. Example: 'Tired of visitors leaving your site without taking action? Let's fix that.' When users feel seen, they stay. People remember stories more than facts. Don't just list services. Tell stories. For example: 'Emma, a freelance photographer, was struggling to book clients. After her website redesign, her enquiries tripled within two months.' Real narratives beat feature lists every time. What client stories could you highlight? Sharing genuine success stories builds empathy and trust. Think about this: how many clicks does it take for a visitor to find what they need? If it's more than three, it's too many. Simplify your menu structure, keep navigation labels clear and descriptive, avoid cute names that confuse first-time visitors, and organise pages logically: Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Contact. Use breadcrumbs on larger sites to help users track where they are and easily move backwards. Remember, users expect fast, intuitive navigation. Don't make them guess or hunt. Guide users with clear next steps. Instead of generic buttons like 'Click Here,' use action-driven CTAs such as'Start Your Free Trial,''See Our Work,' 'Book a Free Consultation.' When users know exactly what to do next, conversion rates improve. Consider testing different CTA texts to find what resonates best with your audience. Design isn't just visual. It's emotional. Different colours evoke different feelings:Blue = Trust and calm,Red = Urgency and passion,Green = Growth and balance, Yellow = Optimism and energy. But context matters. For example, while red may create urgency on an e-commerce site, it might signal danger on a financial planning site. Are your colours reinforcing your brand mood? Think carefully about what emotions you want to evoke. Small animations, button hovers and loading spinners, these micro-moments show users that the site is responsive and alive. Examples include a heart icon that fills when liked and a progress bar during form submission. These subtle cues reduce friction and increase user satisfaction. They show attention to detail. Nobody likes errors. But you can turn frustration into delight with thoughtful error messaging. Instead of: '404 Error. Page not found.' Try: 'Oops! Looks like that page has wandered off. Let's help you get back.' Airbnb and Slack are great examples of brands using friendly, human error messages. Well-crafted error messages keep users calm and encourage them to stay. Empathy is emotional, but it's also about credibility. Include real customer testimonials with photos, case studies detailing results, Google or Trustpilot reviews and security badges (SSL, payment safety icons). According to BrightLocal, 77% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. What are your customers saying about you? Social proof is a powerful trust-builder. When publishing content, make it clear who's behind it. Include author bios, credentials and links to other expert articles. This aligns with Google's E-E-A-T framework and builds reader trust. Outdated blogs and broken links signal neglect. Keep your site fresh by updating old blog posts, refreshing stats and data and regularly publishing new insights. Does your content calendar need some love? Consistent updates show you care and maintain authority. Not all users want the same thing. Some are browsing, others are ready to buy. Use tools like Google Analytics or HubSpot to segment users based on location, behaviour, and source channel (organic search, social, paid ads). Then deliver tailored messages. Example: 'Welcome back! Ready to continue where you left off?' If you run an e-commerce site, suggest products based on browsing history. For service businesses, highlight relevant case studies. Personalisation reduces bounce rates and increases engagement. Empathy means respecting users' time and context. A Google study found that as page load time increases from 1 to 5 seconds, the probability of bounce increases by 90%. Run speed tests with Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom Tools. Optimise images, leverage browser caching, and minimise CSS and JavaScript. Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Make sure fonts are readable on small screens, buttons are finger-friendly, and load times remain under 3 seconds. When was the last time you checked your site on mobile? A poor mobile experience drives users away fast. Your blog isn't for you. It's for your audience. Ask yourself what questions your customers ask before buying, what their biggest frustrations are and what industry trends they are curious about. High-performing content types include how-to guides, checklists, FAQs, and comparison posts (e.g., 'WordPress vs Wix: Which One's Better for Small Businesses?'). Focus on content that earns backlinks, ranks well, and builds authority. Your call to action (CTA) is your website's emotional handshake. Make it warm and persuasive. Examples:'Let's build something great together.''Show me how to grow my business online.' 'I'm ready for better results.' According to Unbounce, emotionally charged CTAs can increase conversions by over 20% compared to generic buttons. Empathy isn't a one-time task. It's ongoing. Tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, and FullStory help you see how users behave: where they are clicking, where they are getting stuck, and if they are scrolling enough to see your CTA. Direct feedback works wonders. Simple on-site surveys like 'What brought you here today?' or 'Was this page helpful?' give you priceless user insights. Run A/B tests on headlines, button colours, CTA text and image choices. Never assume. Test and learn. Let's end with a challenge. Visit your homepage as if you're a first-time visitor. Ask yourself: Does this site feel welcoming? Is the language clear and friendly? Can I find what I need quickly? Does the site answer my biggest questions? Would I trust this brand with my money or time? If the answer's no or even 'I'm not sure,' it's time for a change. Your website should feel like a helpful friend, not a sales robot. At the end of the day, empathy wins online. If you're ready to build a website that connects, engages, and converts with heart, talk to the team at Design Vibe. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CI&T and Natura Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Make the Digital Environment More Inclusive and Efficient for up to 1.8 Million Consultants
SíO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following last month's Global Accessibility Awareness Day, CI&T (NYSE: CINT), a tech-business specialist, reinforced the role of AI as an ally of accessibility and celebrated its partnership with Natura, Brazil's largest multinational cosmetics company, in building a more inclusive digital environment for people with disabilities. Focusing on diversity and enhancing user experience, the initiative has positively impacted 1.8 million Natura and Avon Beauty Consultants, offering more intuitive, accessible journeys tailored to the varying navigation needs of these partners. Over 60 product, technology, and design experts from Natura and CI&T collaborated in the creation of an inclusive and lasting digital transformation, where it is possible to adapt and identify new needs over time. For CI&T, AI allows for the identification of less obvious barriers, real-time suggestions for improvements, and the automation of recurring checks on digital platforms. CI&T employees with disabilities directly participated in the creation and validation of interfaces. 'Involving individuals with disabilities in development is not just a matter of representation—it is what makes the initiative more practical and connected to the reality of its users. These experiences guide more empathetic and effective solutions. This is undoubtedly a great example of using artificial intelligence in favor of human needs,' says Cinthia Oliveira, global head of ESG at CI&T. The work has evolved based on three main fronts: technical diagnosis, active participation of people with disabilities, and continuous training of teams. On the technical side, tools like CI&T Flow, CI&T's proprietary GenAI platform, utilize AI to assess digital interfaces according to the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and broader A11Y best practices, Additionally, empathy workshops and training for leadership and design teams contribute to strengthening a more conscious and sensitive culture towards diversity. About CI&T CI&T (NYSE: CINT) is a global technology transformation specialist for 100+ large enterprises and fast growth clients. CI&T brings a 30-year track record of helping clients navigate change to deliver accelerated business impact, with deep expertise across AI, strategy, customer experience, software development, cloud services, data and more. CI&T's proprietary AI platform, CI&T FLOW boosts team productivity, ensuring fast, efficient, and scalable delivery of world-class solutions. Operating globally with over 7,400 professionals across 10 countries, CI&T delivers cutting-edge solutions to drive success for its clients.
Daily News Egypt
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's FRA issues new website and cybersecurity rules for insurance sector
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued new regulations establishing licensing, technical, and cybersecurity standards for the websites of all companies and individuals operating in the country's insurance sector. The new rules, outlined in Resolution No. (62) of 2025, mandate that private insurance funds with assets of EGP 10 million or more must establish an official website. The FRA will be the sole authority to issue licences for these websites, in accordance with the Unified Insurance Law No. 155 of 2024. Smaller funds and individuals working in the insurance sector will be permitted to create websites, provided they adhere to the same set of regulations. The measures are part of a broader framework outlined in the Unified Insurance Law. Article (3) of the law defines the insurance sector as comprising insurers, reinsurers, and related professions and activities. It also authorises the FRA's Board of Directors to licence other insurance services based on market demand, subject to established standards and capital requirements. Technical and Content Mandates Under the resolution, chaired by FRA Chairperson Mohamed Farid, all insurance sector websites must meet specific technical standards. These include having a responsive design for accessibility across mobile phones, tablets, and computers, as well as compatibility with all major internet browsers. Websites must also be user-friendly, provide easy access to information, and comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for users with disabilities. Arabic must be the primary language, with other languages optional. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) best practices must be implemented. Entities are required to publish essential information, including a company profile, their FRA-issued licence number, detailed descriptions of services, and clear contact information. The sites must also feature financial reports, periodic disclosures, and a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. The resolution requires all website content to be updated regularly to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with technical controls. Cybersecurity and Data Protection The regulations place a strong emphasis on information security, mandating a range of technical safeguards to protect user data. These include: The use of modern encryption protocols (SSL/TLS). The implementation of advanced security systems such as network firewalls, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). The use of anti-virus and anti-malware software (EPP/EDR). Entities must adhere to international standards, particularly ISO 27001 and NIST, and conduct annual penetration tests and regular software updates. Any security breach or cyberattack must be reported to the FRA immediately. Furthermore, all affected entities must comply with the Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018 and the Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020. This includes creating clear privacy policies, obtaining written consent from users before sharing their data with third parties, and providing a mechanism for users to request the modification or deletion of their data. The rules also require regular data backups for disaster recovery and the retention of system application logs for a minimum of five years. Outsourcing and Compliance The resolution permits the outsourcing of website design and development to data hosting providers that are officially registered with the FRA. However, the licensed entity must retain qualified technical staff to evaluate the quality and security of the outsourced work. An outsourcing plan approved by the board of directors is also required. The FRA said the measures are designed to regulate the creation of websites for private insurance funds and other entities in the sector. The authority stated the initiative is part of its strategy to modernise the industry's digital infrastructure, enhance digital transformation, and ensure compliance with governance, transparency, and data protection standards. All affected entities have a three-month grace period from the resolution's effective date to regularise their status. The FRA has committed to processing complete licence applications within 15 days of submission.
Miami Herald
18-06-2025
- Miami Herald
7 digital travel fails hurting your summer bookings (and how to fix them)
7 digital travel fails hurting your summer bookings (and how to fix them) Summer travel season is in full swing, and for many Americans, that means jumping online to book flights, hotels, and excursions. For millions of travelers with disabilities, however, that process often ends in frustration. Inaccessible websites can make it difficult, if not impossible, to complete a reservation. This can result in missed sales, negative experiences, and long-term brand damage, AudioEye reports. While some accessibility issues may seem minor, their impact is anything but. Unlabeled buttons, clunky forms, and poor color contrast aren't just usability flaws, they're digital barriers that exclude a growing portion of your customer base. And as the travel industry looks to compete in a crowded summer market, fixing these issues is a smart, high-impact way to improve experience and capture more bookings. Below are seven of the most common digital accessibility pitfalls found on travel websites today, with practical tips to help fix them before peak season is over. 1. Poor Color Contrast Makes Key Details Impossible to Read In AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, which analyzed over 53,000 pages across more than 1,600 travel and hospitality websites, color contrast violations emerged as one of the most common accessibility failures. The average hospitality page had 85 violations, among the highest across all industries. Meanwhile, older travelers aged 60+ represent nearly 37 % of all travelers, according to The Senior List. Many of whom are more likely to experience low vision. When critical information like room descriptions, pricing, or the "Book Now" button blends into the background, your site isn't just hard to use - it's costing you customers. How to fix it: Use accessible color contrast ratios (at least 4.5:1 for body text according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG) to ensure text is readable against background colors. This small design fix can make a huge difference in usability. 2. Inaccessible Forms Disrupt the Booking Flow Travel websites averaged four inaccessible forms or buttons per page in AudioEye's Index, which is a major issue when you consider users encountering them are often at the final step of the journey. They've done the research, picked a hotel or experience, and are ready to book. If form labels or instructions are missing, assistive technology users can hit a wall at checkout, causing frustration and sending their business straight to a competitor with a more accessible site. How to fix it: Ensure every form field has a clear label and instructions. Avoid using vague error messages or unlabeled buttons, which can greatly impact usability. 3. Broken Date Pickers Cause Booking Mistakes Poorly designed date pickers can lead to booking errors, particularly for users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation. Without clear visual or audio confirmation, it's easy to select the wrong dates, resulting in confusion, added costs, and lost trust. "I thought I picked Sunday to Monday, but it actually booked me Monday to Tuesday," said Marche, an AudioEye A11iance community member. "I didn't realize until later, and it cost me $175 to fix." How to fix it: Use accessible date pickers that clearly indicate selected dates and offer keyboard navigation. Provide a summary confirmation before booking is finalized. 4. Missing Alt Text on Images Limits Traveler Confidence Travelers often rely on photos to make booking decisions, but the average hospitality page has 26.9 inaccessible images. Without alt text, users with visual impairments are left guessing what a room or amenity actually looks like. "Amenities are just pictures with no descriptions," said Ana, an A11iance community member. "I need a wheelchair-accessible room, but they never tell you what that means. Just saying 'accessible' isn't enough." How to fix it: Add descriptive alt text to all images, especially for rooms, amenities, and location features. Be specific about accessibility features (e.g., "roll-in shower," "grab bars by toilet"). 5. Keyboard Navigation Is Broken AudioEye's research found that 41% of travel pages were difficult or impossible to navigate with a keyboard alone. For users who rely on keyboard commands, including those with motor disabilities, this can be a complete barrier to booking. How to fix it: Ensure your site supports full keyboard navigation. That includes tabbing through links, selecting drop-downs, and completing forms without needing a mouse. 6. Unclear or Vague Links Leave Users Guessing The average hospitality page had 5.4 inaccessible links, according to AudioEye's Index, which often meant vague text like "Click here" or buttons that didn't describe what they did. For screen reader users, this makes site navigation confusing and frustrating. How to fix it: Use descriptive link text like "View room details" or "Add WiFi package." Screen reader users should understand exactly where each link will take them. 7. Accessibility Details Are Missing or Misleading Even when hotels offer accessible accommodations, they often fail to explain what that really means. Vague or generic language, like simply labeling a room "accessible," leaves travelers guessing. Is there a roll-in shower? Are doorways wide enough for a wheelchair? Without answers, travelers with disabilities are forced to book elsewhere or take on unnecessary risk. "Just saying 'accessible' doesn't help. I want to know if the bed is high, if there are grab bars, how wide the doorways are. If you show me you're open and inclusive, I'll book with you - and come back," Marche continued. How to fix it: Be specific in your accessibility listings. Include detailed information about rooms, amenities, transportation, and dining. Make it part of the booking flow, not a buried footnote. Make Summer Travel Seamless for Everyone It's hard to remember the last time booking a trip didn't start online. Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a long-anticipated summer vacation, today's travelers expect digital convenience from start to finish. But when accessibility is overlooked, you risk alienating a large and growing portion of your customer base. Travel brands that invest in accessible design have a unique opportunity to not only welcome a broader audience but to become the go-to choice for travelers seeking ease, clarity, and confidence by creating better experiences for everyone who walks through their (virtual) front door. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
University of Phoenix Leadership Presents at 1EdTech
Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs Kelly Hermann discusses digital content guidelines at 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference PHOENIX, June 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs Kelly Hermann co-presented at the 2025 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference held June 2-5 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown in Indianapolis, Indiana. The presentation, titled "Equitable Education and the 1EdTech Accessibility Rubric," focused on the importance of ensuring digital ecosystems are accessible and compliant with the newest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. "As digital learning environments evolve, it's increasingly helpful for institutions to stay aware of current accessibility standards," Hermann said. "At this year's 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, we were pleased to share how updated accessibility rubrics and practical strategies can help foster learning experiences that support all students." Hermann's presentation delved into the new guidelines and offered practical advice on making learning resources, websites, and mobile apps accessible for users. The discussion also emphasized the importance of understanding and leveraging guidelines to help foster a welcoming educational environment. Hermann chairs the Accessibility Taskforce for 1EdTech and collaborated on the project to develop an accessibility vetting rubric to help institutions improve access for students with disabilities, and to improve trust by evaluating the non-technical aspects of accessibility that can impact purchasing decisions and helping to establish a common tool evaluation framework. Outside of her work with 1EdTech, Hermann's leadership is broadly recognized in the education technology community, and she has co-authored a chapter on accessibility to the Routledge text, Leading the eLearning Transformation of Higher Education, as well as other organizational texts by Anthology, D2L, WCET, and OLC, and by leading educational publications including Inside Higher Ed, EdSurge, The EvoLLLution and eCampus News. Hermann was instrumental in developing and deploying a survey on workplace accessibility awareness, understanding, and development opportunities. In her role at University of Phoenix, Hermann serves as the Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs with oversight of the university's accessibility initiative, including the evaluation and remediation of curricular resources, the Center for Access, Resources, Engagement and Support Services (CARES) which provides accommodations to students with disabilities and the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, which works with University stakeholders, community partners and sponsors to create a welcoming educational environment for the students, faculty, and staff. Recognizing her work, Hermann received global recognition as a 1EdTech Leader for her work in creating open, trusted, and innovative digital ecosystems that power learner potential. Learn more about accessibility at University of Phoenix here. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACTMichele MitchumUniversity of Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
