Accessibility and frictionless UX
Accessibility-first design prioritizes simplicity, structure, adaptability and clarity. An interaction design strategy that accommodates diverse needs—like screen reader compatibility, intuitive navigation, and multi-modal inputs—minimizes obstacles and makes user experiences seamless, regardless of ability.
The VA.gov audience is unique: generations of former and current Service Members with diverse needs and wide-ranging abilities. As the digital front door to Veterans' benefits and services, VA.gov’s clear mission is to serve every Veteran, Service Member, and their families. An accessibility-first strategy informed each stage of product development, and designing with Veterans, not just for them, ensured our tools and services truly met their needs.
To see some of the prototypes and screen designs, use the links below. These will open in a new browser tab.
Multimodal interaction
Support for voice commands, touch gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and screen readers creates flexible, adaptive experiences for everyone. This allow users to interact with system in the most comfortable, immediate, and efficient way–in a variety of situations, regardless of ability.
Beyond compliance
Accessibility isn't just about meeting legal standards—Section 508, WCAG, ADA, Plain Writing Act–it's about enhancing usability. Designing with an accessibility-first approach expands your user base, increases user satisfaction, and seamlessly supports mobile platforms. It’s also cost-effective, mitigating the need for expensive fixes or remediation.