Also as part of this project and after its completion, an article was published that presents the design process involved in the development of the platform. Based on the literature review carried out, the article also presents a set of interface design guidelines, with the aim of providing clear guidance to professionals seeking to develop inclusive and accessible digital solutions for users with disabilities. Below, are presented some of those guidelines.
ACESSIBILITY
Provide interface adaptation - the interface must offer features that allow users to interact with the content according to their preferences and individual needs.
Navigate by keyboard - the navigation on the platform must be operable for all users, regardless of assistive technology or devices used.
Incorporate subtitles - the platform must provide subtitles for videos and audios, so that hearing-impaired users can fully understand the content presented.
Use alternative texts - the platform should use alternative texts (alt text) on images, graphics, and other visual elements, allowing screen readers to describe the visual content for visually impaired users.
design
Maintain visual consistency in the interface - the elements should be consistent across the platform to create a cohesive and predictable experience for users.
Implementation of visual hierarchy - a well-defined visual hierarchy is essential to organize the platform in a logical and structured way, facilitating the understanding of information and navigation for users.
Maintain an aesthetic and minimalist design - the design must be clear, objective and focused on the essential elements to ensure efficient and intuitive interaction, avoiding unnecessary elements that may distract or overload the user.
Appropriate interface elements - the interface should provide interaction elements, such as buttons, menus and text fields, that are adequately sized and spaced, allowing comfortable interaction for all users.
Navigation
Maintain a well-structured information architecture - the information architecture of a platform must be well structured, with content organized in a clear and intuitive way, making it easier for users to locate and understand information.
Implementation of navigation hierarchies - the platform must inform the user about all the steps he has taken, through navigation hierarchies, offering a clear visualization and allowing easy navigation through the pages already visited.
Provide immediate feedback - the platform should provide clear and immediate feedback on user actions, whether through visual (such as color or movement changes), audio, or tactile changes, ensuring that users are always informed about the outcome of their interactions.
Clear structuring of interactions - the interactions should be structured into clear steps, with a beginning, middle and end, in order to ensure that users understand when a task is successfully completed.
Information
Use simple, familiar, and concise language - the platform should present information in simple, familiar, and concise language, ensuring that it is easily understood by all users, including those with reading difficulties or cognitive limitations.
Provide help and documentation - the platform should offer help and support documentation in an easily accessible way, presenting it in a clear and straightforward manner (e.g. FAQ section, tutorials and a support chatbot).
Error prevention and correction
Prevent the occurrence of errors - the platform must be designed in such a way as to prevent errors (proper spacing between form fields and implementation of confirmation messages).
Help recognize, diagnose, and correct errors - the platform should offer features that allow errors to be corrected quickly and easily (clear and understandable error messages and ability to do or redo actions).
