What new technologies improve user interface design accessibility and usability?

User interface design is the process of creating intuitive and engaging interfaces for software applications, websites, or other digital products. Accessibility and usability are two key aspects of user interface design that ensure that users of different abilities, preferences, and contexts can interact with the product effectively and efficiently. In this article, we will explore some of the new technologies that improve user interface design accessibility and usability, and how they can benefit both users and developers.

1 Voice User Interfaces

Voice user interfaces (VUIs) are interfaces that allow users to interact with a product using voice commands or natural language. VUIs can improve accessibility and usability by providing an alternative input method for users who have difficulties with typing, reading, or seeing, or who prefer hands-free or eyes-free interaction. VUIs can also enhance the user experience by making the product more conversational, personalized, and context-aware. Some examples of VUIs are voice assistants, smart speakers, and voice-enabled apps.

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Rani Izsak, PhD

Founder & CEO @ FindThat | PhD in Computer Science | AI | Algorithm Advisor | Lecturer
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I’d like to add that VUIs are much more useful with natural language understanding, of course. Recent tech breakthroughs in natural language understanding together with VUIs can enable intuitive access to wider audience than ever before.

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Gautam Anil

Building Kerrsor
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Voice user interfaces (VUIs) provide intuitive, hands-free interaction through voice commands, enhancing accessibility and user experience by offering a seamless alternative to typing and touch-based inputs.

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2 Haptic Feedback

Haptic feedback is the use of vibrations, forces, or motions to simulate the sense of touch in a user interface. Haptic feedback can improve accessibility and usability by providing tactile cues for users who have impairments in vision, hearing, or cognition, or who need more feedback to confirm their actions. Haptic feedback can also increase the user engagement and immersion by creating more realistic and interactive sensations. Some examples of haptic feedback are vibration motors, force sensors, and haptic gloves.

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Rani Izsak, PhD

Founder & CEO @ FindThat | PhD in Computer Science | AI | Algorithm Advisor | Lecturer
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Haptic feedbacks are used also in gamification settings, such as in Duolingo to create and maintain excitement while solving exercises.

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3 Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the use of algorithms and data to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognition, reasoning, or learning. AI can improve accessibility and usability by enabling the user interface to adapt to the user's needs, preferences, and behavior, and to provide personalized and relevant information, suggestions, or assistance. AI can also improve the user interface design process by automating some tasks, such as testing, prototyping, or generating content. Some examples of AI in user interface design are facial recognition, chatbots, and content creation tools.

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Rani Izsak, PhD

Founder & CEO @ FindThat | PhD in Computer Science | AI | Algorithm Advisor | Lecturer
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AI can now also create illustrations as part of the user interface to explain and demonstrate the user journey in a natural, fun and immediate way.

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4 Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is the use of digital elements, such as images, sounds, or texts, to enhance the user's perception of the real world. AR can improve accessibility and usability by providing additional information, guidance, or feedback to the user in their natural environment, and by allowing them to manipulate or interact with the digital elements using gestures, voice, or touch. AR can also improve the user experience by creating more immersive and engaging scenarios. Some examples of AR in user interface design are navigation apps, education apps, and gaming apps.

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5 Responsive Design

Responsive design is the use of flexible layouts, images, and styles to make the user interface adapt to different screen sizes, resolutions, and orientations. Responsive design can improve accessibility and usability by ensuring that the user interface is consistent, readable, and functional across different devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Responsive design can also improve the user interface performance and efficiency by reducing the loading time and bandwidth consumption. Some examples of responsive design are media queries, fluid grids, and flexible images.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Gautam Anil

Building Kerrsor
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Eye tracking enables users to control devices and interfaces using their eye movements, enhancing accessibility by offering hands-free interaction for individuals with physical disabilities or limited mobility.

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What new technologies improve user interface design accessibility and usability?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Voice User Interfaces

2 Haptic Feedback

3 Artificial Intelligence

4 Augmented Reality

5 Responsive Design

6 Here’s what else to consider

Software Design

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What new technologies improve user interface design accessibility and usability?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Voice User Interfaces

2 Haptic Feedback

3 Artificial Intelligence

4 Augmented Reality

5 Responsive Design

6 Here’s what else to consider

Software Design

Rate this article

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