Our Approach to Web Accessibility

At Knowledge Architecture we don’t see accessibility as a destination, but as an ongoing journey. We've mapped out 6 distinct phases in our approach to accessibility, including a crucial Phase 6, which is Continuous Improvement. While we don’t position ourselves as accessibility experts, or offer accessibility consulting services, we are fully committed to improving the accessibility of Synthesis. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned and connect you with helpful resources to further your understanding of web accessibility.

In 2022, in collaboration with Ultranauts, we completed an accessibility audit of our website. Next we addressed and remediated all findings in their report. We followed this with an accessibility audit for Synthesis in 2023. Since then, we’ve completed three of six planned phases and are actively working on Phase 4.

Below are the key phases of our Synthesis Accessibility Improvement Plan:

Phase 1: Responsive Website Design

By investing in responsive design for Synthesis we have also made the platform more accessible for users with impaired or low vision. Responsive design allows users to zoom in and enhance readability, making the content more accessible across devices.

Status: Completed in October 2023

Phase 2: Video Captions

We introduced native video captions to Synthesis, enhancing accessibility for users with hearing impairments. Additionally, we developed an AEC-specific video transcription model to improve accuracy and reduce the time administrators spend reviewing captions.

Status: Completed in June 2024

Phase 3: Dark Mode and Accessibility Checker

We added Dark Mode to improve accessibility, especially for users with light sensitivity, reducing eye strain, and enhancing readability. Our Accessibility Checker allows you to test the contrast ratios in both Light and Dark Mode, empowering you to ensure your intranet is more inclusive and accessible.

Status: Completed in October 2024

Phase 4: Keyboard-Only Navigation Support

We are enhancing support for keyboard-only navigation, a critical improvement for users with mobility impairments, or those who prefer not to use a mouse. These updates will ensure every user can navigate the platform with ease, promoting inclusivity, and convenience.

Status: In Development

Phase 5: Screen Readers and Alt Text

This phase will focus on assistive technologies like screen readers, enabling better navigation for users with visual impairments. We’ll introduce support for Alt Text in images, and explore AI-driven tools for generating Alt Text, ensuring Synthesis is ARIA-compliant for an even more inclusive experience.

Status: Scheduled for 2025

Phase 6: Continuous Improvement

As we continue to evolve and innovate, our commitment to accessibility will expand. Every new feature will be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that Synthesis meets the highest standards and grows along with changing accessibility guidelines.

Recommended Resources

For anyone looking to learn more, we recommend diving into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at the AA level, which we've chosen because it is meaningfully impactful, achievable, and the most common legal standard. We also recommend Practical Web Inclusion and Accessibility: A Comprehensive Guide to Access Needs by Ashley Firth, an excellent primer for web accessibility.

There are many wonderful accessibility consultants in the market. We had a really good experience with Ultranauts.

Got Feedback?

If you have suggestions or feedback about how we can improve Synthesis accessibility, feel free to reach out to us at support@knowledge-architecture.com.