Accessible websites created ‘automatically’

To offer solutions that are effective and efficient in terms of both time and cost, User1st has created a way for designers of webpages to make them barrier-free without the need to change existing databases. This is done by adding a single line of code, allowing the User1st Editor to then detect, fixe, and monitor a website.

Problems Targeted

User1st seeks to tackle the problem of webpage accessibility for persons with disabilities. To date, the process of creating a barrier-free website has been expensive and time consuming, requiring research, risk-analysis, technical know-how, qualified staff, third parties (to assist, if necessary), and an implementation plan. In worst cases, it can take years to code or re-code existing websites and amend them to meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards. Consequently, many organizations shrink to implement barrier-free websites.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

To offer solutions that are effective and efficient in terms of both time and cost, User1st has created a way for designers of webpages to make them barrier-free without the need to change existing databases. This is done by adding a single line of code to the existing database, allowing the User1st Editor to then detect, fixe, and monitor a website. It also provides a test and development interface that enables the process of configuration with wizards and ‘drag-and-drop’ interfaces. The process also offers the User1st Back-End Code Fix Editor and User1st Client-Side plug-in interface. These add-ons allow the user of User1st to configure a website, its coding and context, and to test it before launching a new configuration. Furthermore, to understand the usage of the solutions delivered by User1st, an online knowledge centre can be uploaded to offer training on the software in use.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

In 2016 over 10 million websites will be adapted to the WCAG 2.0 AA standard through the use of User1st, and more than 1 million users will make use of it. Also, licensing revenue is expected to rise to $5 million, and an office will be opened in the European Union. User1st is going to tackle the problem of ICT accessibility and will develop solutions for mobile devices, detection tools, and other formats – including HTML, and virtual interactive voice response. As the services of User1st are cloud-based, they can be used worldwide.