Author: Julia Suk

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Learning analytics is the process of analyzing data to better understand learning and teaching processes. The field has been growing rapidly in recent years. A report by Verified Market Research predicts that the analytics as a service provider market will expand to $101.29 billion by 2026. There are now many different tools and techniques available to help educators and trainers use the vast amounts of data generated in the process of teaching and learning.  However, managing learning analytics can be daunting, especially for organizations with limited resources or expertise. In such cases, learning analytics outsourcing services can be a viable option. In this article, we will explore the benefits of outsourcing learning analytics and discuss some key considerations when selecting analytics as a service (AaaS) providers. Why is Learning Analytics Important for Organizations? By analyzing data generated during the training process, organizations can identify areas for improvement, measure the effectiveness of training programs, and make better-informed decisions about their training strategies. Here are some of the most important reasons why learning analytics is important for organizations: Identify Areas for Improvement: Learning analytics can help organizations identify areas of weakness in their training programs. They can determine which topics learners struggle with and which training methods are most effective. Measure Training Effectiveness: Learning analytics can help organizations measure the effectiveness of their training programs. Organizations can determine if the training program is achieving its desired outcomes, such as increased knowledge or skills. Improve Learner Engagement: Learning analytics can help organizations identify factors that affect learner engagement. By analyzing data on learner behavior, they can determine which learning activities are most engaging and make adjustments to improve learner engagement. Personalize Learning: Learning analytics can help organizations personalize the learning experience for each learner. Analyzing data on learner behavior can identify individual learning styles and preferences and tailor the training program to meet the needs of each learner. Challenges in Managing Learning Analytics In-house While there are benefits to having an in-house team dedicated to learning analytics, there are also several challenges that organizations must overcome. Here are some of the most common hurdles of managing learning analytics in-house: Data Management: Managing data is a complex and time-consuming process. Collecting, processing, and analyzing data requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Organizations may not have the resources or the knowledge to manage large amounts of data effectively. Expertise: Building an in-house team with the necessary expertise can be difficult. Data scientists, learning designers, and learning technologists are all necessary to build an effective learning analytics program. Finding and retaining talent with these specialized skills can be challenging. Infrastructure: Building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure for learning analytics can be costly. Organizations must invest in the hardware, software, and systems required to collect and analyze data. In addition, they must ensure that their infrastructure is secure and meets compliance requirements. Scalability: As the volume of data grows, organizations must ensure that their learning analytics program can scale to meet demand. Building a scalable program can be difficult and expensive, requiring significant investments in technology and infrastructure. Time: Building an effective learning analytics program requires time and resources. Organizations must invest in data collection, analysis, and reporting, which can divert resources from other business activities. Focus: Finally, building an in-house learning analytics program can divert the organization’s focus from its core business activities. Organizations must balance the benefits of learning analytics with the need to focus on their core competencies. Benefits of Learning Analytics Outsourcing Services Learning analytics outsourcing services can provide several benefits for organizations. By partnering with experienced and reliable analytics as a service providers, organizations can leverage advanced analytics tools and techniques, gain access to expertise, and reduce costs.  Here are some of the most significant benefits of outsourcing learning analytics services: Access to Expertise: Analytics as a service providers have extensive experience in data analysis, learning design, and learning technology. They can provide access to a team of experts with the skills and knowledge required to build an effective learning analytics program. Cost Savings: Outsourcing learning analytics services can be more cost-effective than building an in-house team. AaaS providers can leverage economies of scale and provide services at a lower cost than an in-house team. Scalability: Analytics as a service providers can scale their services to meet the needs of the organization. As the volume of data grows, they can adjust their services to accommodate the increased demand. Advanced Analytics Tools and Techniques: AaaS providers have access to advanced analytics tools and techniques that may not be available to many organizations. These tools and techniques can provide deeper insights into the learning process and help organizations make better-informed decisions. Focus on Core Competencies: Outsourcing learning analytics services allows organizations to focus on their core competencies. By partnering with an AaaS provider, organizations can free up resources to focus on their core business activities. Reduced Risk: Analytics as a service providers can help organizations reduce the risk of data breaches and security incidents. They can provide robust data security measures, ensure that the organization’s data is stored securely, and comply with relevant regulations. Flexibility: AaaS providers can provide customized solutions that meet the organization’s unique needs. They can work with the organization to design a solution that meets their specific requirements. Overall, outsourcing learning analytics services can provide several benefits for organizations. By partnering with an analytics company, organizations can access expertise, and advanced analytics tools and techniques, reduce costs, and focus on their core competencies. Security Considerations for Learning Analytics Outsourcing Services When outsourcing learning analytics services, it is essential to consider security and data privacy. Organizations must assess if their data is secure and complies with relevant regulations. Here are some security considerations for outsourcing learning analytics: Data Protection: The organization’s data is its most valuable asset. The analytics as a service provider must have robust data security measures, including encryption, access controls, and secure data storage. Compliance: Organizations must ensure that their data complies with relevant regulations, such as GDPR

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Corporate training outsourcing services provide companies with the opportunity to boost the productivity of their employees. They also provide them with essential skills and knowledge that can help them stay ahead of the competition. All in all, they are essential for individual and overall organizational growth. This blog features everything you need to know about expert corporate training solutions, their relevance in today’s world, and why every organization needs them. Read ahead to know more. Corporate Training Solutions: A Brief Introduction Businesses always strive to stay ahead of the curve. To that end, they need to ensure that their employees are continuously learning and developing new skills. However, with the ever-changing landscape of the business world, it can be difficult to know what training solutions to provide for employees. That’s where corporate training outsourcing services come in. These services are designed to meet the specific needs of your business. They can be customized to target specific areas that need improvement or to provide general training that will help employees be better equipped to handle whatever comes their way. Outsourcing corporate training solutions can be a great way to ensure that your organization gets the best training solutions for its needs without the need for additional resources or costs. It can also help to streamline the process of training and allow you to leverage existing resources to ensure the best results. In short, expert corporate training solutions are helping businesses stay ahead of the curve by ensuring their employees continuously learn and develop new skills. Benefits of Corporate Training Outsourcing Services Corporate training outsourcing services offer a wide range of benefits for businesses of all sizes. They can help improve employee performance and morale, reduce costs, improve customer service, and increase productivity. Here are the top seven benefits of expert corporate training solutions. 1. Increased Productivity Investing in corporate training helps employees stay up to date on the latest technologies, techniques, and best practices. This helps drive efficiency and productivity in the workplace, resulting in a big boost in the overall performance of the business. 2. Improved Employee Performance Outsourcing services provide employees with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their job duties, leading to improved job performance. This can result in higher quality customer service, better customer retention rates, and improved customer satisfaction levels. 3. Reduced Costs By investing in corporate training, businesses can save costs in the long run by reducing the number of mistakes made, decreasing customer service costs, and increasing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. 4. Improved Employee Retention Investing in corporate training helps to create a culture of learning and growth in the workplace, which can help to improve employee retention rates. Employees who feel valued and are given opportunities to further their careers are more likely to stay with the company. 5. Enhanced Brand Reputation and Flexibility Corporate training outsourcing services can help to enhance the reputation of a business, leading to increased brand recognition in the marketplace. Furthermore, training solutions provide employees with the flexibility to learn at their own pace. This allows them to take the information they have learned and apply it in real-world settings. 6. Increased Morale and Engagement Corporate training can also help to improve morale and employee engagement levels. Employees who are given the opportunity to grow and develop are more likely to feel a sense of pride in their work and be more committed to the success of the business. 7. Improved Compliance Finally, corporate training solutions help to ensure that all employees are compliant and well acquainted with company policies and regulations, as well as local and federal laws. Why Outsourcing Corporate Training Outsourcing is a Good Idea? Corporate training solutions can make the difference between a high-performing organization and one that is lagging behind. Outsourcing these solutions can provide businesses with access to a much higher level of expertise and quality, as well as greater efficiency. You can also enhance existing programs so they are updated. Here are a few key benefits of outsourcing training and development solutions for your organization. 1. Cost-Efficient Approach By outsourcing these services, businesses can save a lot of money. Companies can access specialists with lower overhead costs and access to more advanced technologies. 2. Access to Expertise Outsourcing corporate training solutions provides organizations with access to experts from the industry. This ensures that the organization gets the best possible solutions for its specific needs. 3. Flexibility Outsourcing corporate training solutions enables organizations to build flexible learning solutions that can be adapted to their specific needs. This allows the organization to tailor their training to the needs of the business. 4. Time-Saving Companies can save a lot of time by outsourcing services. They don’t need to invest in setting up and managing in-house training solutions, which can be very time-consuming. 5. Tailor-Made and Efficient Outsourced corporate training solutions not only help to reduce the amount of time and resources necessary to deliver quality training. At the same time, they provide access to cutting-edge technology, materials, and approaches tailored to the specific needs of your organization. Overall, outsourcing corporate training solutions is a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure your organization can access the best possible training solutions to achieve its goals. With an outsourced corporate training solution, you can ensure that your employees receive quality training that prepares them for future success. Final Words Corporate training solutions are gaining importance in today’s business world. Companies are investing in corporate training solutions to build a motivated and productive workforce. Investing in corporate training outsourcing services offers many benefits, such as improved employee engagement, increased productivity, and better customer satisfaction. Since its inception, Hurix has been helping organizations to achieve their business goals with its expert corporate training solutions. It is also one of the leading training outsourcing companies. With a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, Hurix has been able to offer a wide range of corporate training solutions that are helping businesses to improve their performance and

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The fast-paced, ever-evolving business environment post-COVID-19 makes it difficult for organizations to keep up with the latest technologies, tools, and trends in the corporate world. Employee training is no exception. Firms re-assessing their learning and development (L&D) programs to maintain their competitive edge in changing market conditions, increased competition, and the advent of new technologies and techniques is a significant aspect of this transition. Businesses, from small-scale start-ups to fully-fledged enterprises, resort to L&D projects as a conventional practice to upskill their workforce and manage non-core operations by partnering strategically with learning outsourcing companies. Training outsourcing entails incorporating external assistance to harness resources and experience to streamline and boost development and deliver training programs. Learning services involve outsourced management of training procedures, including content creation, administration of learning, vendor management, measurement and analytics, learning strategy, and learning technology. In this blog, we shall explore the top providers of end-to-end training outsourcing companies based on a thorough analysis of their capabilities, experience, and expertise. Why Use a Learning Outsourcing Company? 1. Economically Efficient Route To Training Developing a comprehensive training program goes beyond just disseminating the course materials. Internal management demands significant time, money, and resources, from establishing learning support systems and engaging training materials to timeframes for delivering courses to the intended audience. Companies can avoid the costs associated with hiring, onboarding, and training in-house staff by working with third-party education outsourcing companies. Learning outsourcing companies assume the expenses of equipment requirements for modality, software to support and generate content, subject matter experts to gather information, paying benefits and salary of internal experts on payroll, etc. Consequently, organizations can offload substantial expenses. 2. Access To Experts With A Combination Of Skills Most traditional in-house L&D teams might not have enough internal training expertise and resources to deliver top-notch solutions. Organizations may extend their physical reach beyond their workforce and expand the talent pool of their employees by harnessing the expertise of various professionals dedicated to delivering efficient training. Outsourcing L&D to a specialist with elaborate experience in training, instructional design, corporate training, development, and technology can accomplish this. eLearning outsourcing companies have a large talent pool of authoring tool experts and instructional designers well-versed with the latest technological advancements and trends in eLearning at their disposal that assist in curating innovative digital solutions. 3. Accelerating Time to Market Learning outsourcing companies are equipped with the necessary resources to launch training programs swiftly without compromising quality. Outsourcing is the most effective technique to deliver high-quality learning solutions and enhance the scalability of the business by augmenting the organization’s reach to its customers and clients. Top 6 Learning Outsourcing Companies Learning outsourcing companies offer multiple services, from custom curriculum development to virtual training programs. These companies specialize in customizing training solutions to suit an organization’s unique needs. They can also provide on-demand training and learning materials in various formats, such as eBooks, webinars, and online courses. India, known for its impressive human capital, technology infrastructure, and cost advantages, is quickly becoming a significant hub for businesses looking to outsource educational technology services. Let’s look into some of the best eLearning outsourcing companies and primary services offered so that you make a conscious decision about which company to partner with. 1. Hurix Digital Hurix Digital is a leading eLearning outsourcing service and tech solutions provider specializing in helping organizations create, deliver, and manage digital learning content across various platforms. It offers tailored infrastructure, development, and implementation services to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery, with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Hurix Digital’s services include custom content development, rapid authoring, and consultation for enterprise-level systems and applications. Hurix provides access to a team of experts with a distinct understanding of instructional design principles and expertise in developing high-quality eLearning content for various industries and sectors. It leverages the resources of professional eLearning design to deliver innovative, engaging, and effective eLearning content. 2. Tata Consultancy Services TCS is a global IT services company that offers an array of services, including cloud computing, analytics, security, and enterprise software development. They also hold expertise in the education sector and have extended benefits to some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Microsoft, Oracle, and HP. TCS specializes in custom software development for educational institutions, including school management systems, learning management systems, and online learning platforms. TCS develops innovative technological solutions by streamlining operations to support best-in-class, inclusive, affordable, and immersive digital learning. 3. Wipro Wipro is another leading company extending numerous services related to software development, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital transformation. Wipro has extensive experience developing custom software solutions for schools, universities, and other educational institutions. With its competencies in L&D resources, Wipro offers capabilities attaching immense value to client organizations’ management operations. 4. Infosys Infosys has a forte in providing L&D outsourcing and custom software development services to various industries, including education. Their team deploys cost-effective training strategies to drive productivity improvements and measurable increments in business performance. Infosys allows organizations to design and implement effective, customized training solutions. They hold proficiency in custom software development for educational institutions, including school management systems, learning management systems, and online learning platforms. 5. HCL HCL is a renowned IT service, business solutions, and learning outsourcing services company, providing services to clients ranging from multinational corporations to start-ups. HCL offers various assistance, including software development, application development, product engineering, custom applications, IT infrastructure, and system integration. HCL supplies services in big data, cloud computing, analytics, mobility, and social media applications. 6. Tech Mahindra Tech Mahindra provides business consulting and L&D outsourcing services to several industries employing state-of-the-art technology to develop custom training and deliver high-quality educational content. It aims at improving and optimizing learning organization by way of strategic solutions. The Bottom Line Evaluate the training marketplace for the best providers of learning services offering a breadth of capabilities and services that enable company growth. It is crucial for singling in on the right training partner. Buyers of training services must evaluate

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Web accessibility standards refer to specific guidelines that webpages, websites, and digital applications must follow to ensure accessibility for users with disabilities and impairments. Additionally, web accessibility standards ensure inclusivity and equal access to information and prove to be highly beneficial for businesses and e-commerce platforms by allowing them to reach a wider audience and potential customer base. The user experience while accessing web pages is further enhanced by web accessibility standards. As a result, the website becomes more user-friendly, easy to navigate, and stable. Lastly, various countries have made accessibility standards mandatory under disability discrimination laws, administering a more legal and ethical functioning of businesses and companies.  Who Manages the Web Accessibility Standards?  Numerous organizations, companies, and groups handle web accessibility standards. However, the most popular web content accessibility guidelines, also called WCAG, have been issued by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Some other famous organizations and protocols for web accessibility standards are: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards European Accessibility Act These various organizations and companies often work together to create and deliver more robust web accessibility guidelines. World Wide Web ConsortiumThe World Wide Web, or W3C, is an international organization founded by Tim Berners Lee in 1994. The organization was created to ensure the long-term and sustainable growth of the web. Over time, W3C has developed numerous standards for technologies like HTML, CSS, and XML through WCAG. WCAG or web content accessibility guidelines can be understood as a set of internationally recognized web accessibility standards implementing a more accessible and inclusive web usage. For instance, people with visual impairments, cognitive defects, or neurological disabilities will not be able to access the web like users without disabilities until certain features and tools are provided to them. The accessibility standards have been defined keeping these four principles in mind: Perceivable Operable Understandable Robust These principles make each web page element, like text, image, multimedia, etc., comprehendible and easy to navigate for people with disabilities. The version of WCAG currently being used is WCAG 2.1, which was launched in June 2018. Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) ARIA, or Accessible Rich Internet Applications, is also a W3C specification that defines how web content can be made more inclusive for people with disabilities, including through the assistive technology they use. It offers a method for incorporating semantic data into HTML elements to aid assistive technology in better comprehending the function and status of web elements, facilitating user interaction. Some of the common guidelines of ARIA are: Make sure that a keyboard can be used for all interactions done on a web page, like button clicks, form submissions, etc. Multiple headings, sub-headings, pointers, and landmarks are utilized to provide precise and consistent navigation. To inform users of updates to the website, use the ARIA live region feature For images and other non-text items, an alternate text link must be provided Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (EITAS) State agencies in Texas, US, utilize a set of accessibility guidelines called Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards (EITAS). EITAS is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) published by the World Wide Web Consortium and is intended to ensure that electronic and information technology used by state agencies is accessible to individuals with disabilities. All the state agencies in Texas are required to follow EITAS regulations strictly. Failure to do can lead to strict punishments and fines. In addition, EITAS takes into its ambit a wide range of web-based and technological products like websites, computer programs, eBooks, electronic documents, etc. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), which oversees EITAS web accessibility standards, regularly offers advice and resources to assist state agencies in adhering to them. European Accessibility Act (EAA) Approximately 135 million people have disabilities in the EU. Keeping this in mind, the European Commission is creating the European Accessibility Act as part of a bigger initiative to make the digital world more inclusive and accessible to everyone, with or without a disability. Similar to other web accessibility standards, the European Accessibility Act’s objective is to ensure equitable access to digital products and services for individuals with disabilities and to encourage the development of accessible technology. However, it is important to note that the European Accessibility Act is still in its developmental stages, and the guidelines have not been finalized yet. Nevertheless, the European Union claims that once it is passed, it will significantly impact web accessibility and user interaction with webpages, websites, and digital apps. Here is a list of all the digital products EAA will cover: E-commerce platforms Computer operating systems Ebooks Smartphones Banking services Transport booking services Television broadcast Telephone services Ticketing kiosks and machines Closing Thoughts  If you are running a business or an independent website, you must know about these web accessibility standards. These will not only help you make your website more accessible but also ensure that it reaches a maximum number of people. Therefore, remember to do accessibility testing before you launch your website. If you need help with the same, you can reach us at HurixDigital. Our expert team has years of experience and can enable you to implement highly effective and robust web accessibility solutions. Other services offered by HurixDigital include digital content solutions, digital content creation, digital engineering, and much more. So get in touch with our team now to get started![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The global pandemic of COVID-19 shook us to our core and led to significant changes in our daily lives. Remote work, virtual meetings, and online learning are no new phenomena and greatly impact how we work, learn, and socially interact with others.  With more people working and learning remotely, there has also been a drastic change and increase in the use of the internet, online tools, and digital apparatuses. Consequently, as a response to this increased usage, the importance of improved web accessibility solutions has also been highlighted.  The forced evolution of web accessibility trends post-COVID-19 has been a blessing in disguise for people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Web accessibility is now an additional feature but a rather important element for websites, web pages, and digital apparatuses.  If you are also looking for web accessibility solutions for your business or website, you are in the right place. Below are 6 web accessibility trends for 2023 that will make your website more accessible and inclusive.  However, before we jump into web accessibility trends for 2023, let us first understand what web accessibility is.  What is Web Accessibility?  Web accessibility refers to making a webpage or website accessible for users with cognitive and motor impairments. It also includes presenting the content on the webpage in a way that can be easily comprehended and navigated by everyone, with or without a disability.  One way to check if a web page is accessible for people with impairments and disabilities is by ensuring that it can be used by people with disabilities the same way people use it without disabilities.  Apart from the business perspective, legal and ethical standpoints now make it mandatory for web pages to follow web accessibility protocols. This ensures each user gets an equal opportunity to interact with your content, creating an opportunity for wider audience engagement.  Web Accessibility Trends for 2023  Strict Adoption of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, refers to the set of guidelines and protocols developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure all webpages and websites are accessible for people with impairments and disabilities.  All the guidelines and rules are organized according to three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. Additionally, the guidelines cover four basic principles in accordance with the elements of a web page, perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.  Some of the examples of the WCAG 2.1 guideline are:  Audio and video content must have subtitles and transcripts to ensure people with hearing impairments can understand the content.  All the functionalities of the webpage must be operable through the keyboard. This ensures that users unable to use a mouse because of limited motor functions can still interact with the web content.  Allow users to choose the desirable font size and layout. This ensures that users with partial visual impairment can adjust the content according to their specific needs and engage more thoroughly.  You can visit the official page of WCAG to know about the other guidelines and design your web pages and websites accordingly.  More Interactive Mobile Experience  Statistics reveal that there are currently 6 billion mobile users globally, which is expected to reach 7.6 billion by the end of 2027. Therefore, it is high time that designers prioritize the mobile experience and the desktop experience.  With the growth of 5G technology, the usage of mobile phones will continue to grow. Users use smartphones for online shopping, booking tickets, creating content, and other business-related needs.  Therefore, web developers must focus on mobile web accessibility and its crucial aspects like small screen optimization, touch-based navigation, slow internet connection, etc.  Utilizing Machine Learning  Machine learning refers to using artificial intelligence to allow computer systems to improve user experience. There are numerous types of machine learning, like supervised machine learning, unsupervised machine learning, semi-supervised machine learning, and reinforcement learning.  Based on the need, convenience of use, and preferences, web developers can utilize any of these machine learning algorithms to identify and fix issues.  Machine learning also allows developers to save time and increase productivity by letting the algorithms do their job while focusing on other pressing tasks that can’t be automated.  Lastly, with proper implementation and usage of machine learning, it is possible to automatically create alternative texts for images and make them more accessible for people with visual impairments.  AI-Powered Chatbots AI-powered chatbots can be understood as another aspect of machine learning and can greatly enhance the user experience. They can answer people’s questions and concerns accurately and quickly while engaging with web pages. They have been known to be highly successful for e-commerce websites as well.  Additionally, they can help businesses save time and money by automating customer service tasks, such as answering frequently asked questions, directing users to relevant information or resources, and even completing transactions.  Features like text-to-speech, keyboard navigation, response time management, etc., can be combined with these AI-powered chatbots to establish their role as a web accessibility solution.  Virtual and Augmented Reality Another important web accessibility trend in 2023 is using virtual and augmented reality technologies to create more immersive and accessible experiences.  With these technologies, businesses, and organizations are now also focussing on personalized learning for employees, training and development, and much more.  Virtual and augmented reality assimilation with web accessibility solutions will not only allow users with disabilities to practice an immersive and engaging web experience but also learn from it. Some of the benefits of virtual and augmented reality for people with disabilities are:  Improved interaction and communication  Development of social skills  Sensory improvement  Opportunity to convey ideas and thoughts better  Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is a popular web accessibility trend as it ensures that a webpage is properly optimized and structured. It is also known to improve the overall usability and navigability of the site for users with disabilities. SEO takes into the ambit various elements like using proper heading tags, alt text for images, creating a clear and consistent

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When you create a website, you intend to provide a superior customer experience to your visitors. But do you consider the user experience of people with disabilities? Nearly 16% of the global population experiences a significant disability. If you do not make your web design accessible, you’ll exclude those people from using your product or service. Even the laws of several countries require businesses to make their digital presence inclusive to people with disabilities. This is why businesses and web developers increasingly use accessibility solutions to make their websites inclusive. However, inclusive practices are still a mystery to many. This blog will look at five practical ways to make your digital presence more accessible. Before that, you can check out five reasons business accessibility is important. 5 Practical Ways to Improve Web Accessibility Use Clear Language Writing in clear and simple language is an essential part of accessibility. Plain and unambiguous writing makes your content understandable to a broader population, such as people with cognitive and learning disabilities, language or memory impairments, and autism. The main goal of plain language is to prevent cognitively disabled people from being left out of the information loop, especially when such information is vital to their health, safety, legal rights, or financial security. Here’s an example of clear words from the WCAG3 guidelines: Before: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a half hour or more of moderate physical activity on most days, preferably daily. The activity can include brisk walking, calisthenics, home care, gardening, moderate sports exercise, and dancing. After: Do at least 30 minutes of exercise, like brisk walking, most days of the week. Here are some tips for plain and clear writing: Use common words Try to write shorter sentences Use shorter paragraphs (just one idea in one paragraph) Put information in a logical order starting with the most important detail Either avoid technical terms or explain them easily Use active rather than passive voice Use visually simple fonts Include white space in the general layout Use grade-level scoring tools to measure readability Caption Video and Audio Content While multimedia content is fantastic for conventional users, it may exclude people with disabilities. For instance, a person with hearing impairment (be it permanent, temporary, or situational) cannot access information from the sound clip. One way to make the content more accessible is to add captions or transcripts to videos and audio. You can use accessibility solutions available in the market for the same. Keep the following tips in mind while including captions and subtitles: Use a black background box with white characters Coincide the caption with the relevant soundtrack Describe sounds that have an impact on the story or meaning, such as a knock, doorbell ringing, or gunfire Limit the captions to no more than two lines at a time Edit automatic captions for accuracy Improve Navigation Web accessibility is not only about using simple words or captioning images and videos. It should also be easy to navigate, meeting the needs of people with motor disabilities. Here are some ways to make your digital content easy to navigate: Break Texts into Sections Packing too much content in a single paragraph can overwhelm any reader. Does this mean you need to limit the information in your content? Not necessarily. Instead, break down your content logically and arrange them in easy-to-read blocks. It will enable readers to skim blocks they’re not interested in and navigate to sections they want to read. Structure Your Content Structure your content using headings and sub-headings. It will give readers a better context of what your content is about. More importantly, it will enable readers using assistive technology to jump between sections and find the information they’re looking for. PDF Remediation If you have PDF documents online, you can increase their accessibility by PDF remediation. Labeling PDF documents to be read using assistive technology is the process of labeling them. The most common PDF elements that need to be labeled or ‘tagged’ for easy readability are headings, images, links, tables, lists, and reading order. Use Alt Text for Images Images form an important part of many contents, but unfortunately, not everyone can access them. This is where alternative text or alt text comes in. They give a short, succinct description of the image displayed so visually impaired users can understand it. Alt texts also appear when the images fail to load due to technical or internet issues. Adding descriptive alt texts will enable visually impaired users to get the information on the image through screen readers. Without it, they may never know what the image contains. Here are some tips to get maximum utility for alt texts: Add alt texts to all non-decorative images Keep it specific and succinct Use keywords on alt text for better SEO but do not stuff them Avoid starting with “Image of..” or “picture of..” Provide Enough Contrast Color contrast is an important consideration in web accessibility. It affects the way how people interact with the information on your website. For the uninitiated, color contrast refers to the difference in light between the font and its background. It affects the readability of your content and is especially important for those with low vision or colorblindness. The content becomes much more apparent when you have your text in one color and the background in another hue. For instance, white text is much easier to read on a black background than on a yellow one. But on the other hand, low color contrast can make your text very difficult and affect the user experience with your website. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines set by W3C recommends a minimum (level AA) contrast ratio between text and interactive elements to be 4.5:1. For large-scale texts, you can have a contrast of 3:1. You can use online contrast checkers to calcite the contrast ratio and help you find the ideal color combination for your website. Give Better Experience to Your Users Web accessibility is vital in today’s digital world