Accessible Product Design The Power of Vendor/Client Collaboration

Presenters Aaron Page, Student Accessibility Specialist, University of Montana Marlene Zentz, Accessibility Specialist, University of Montana Kris Stokking, Director of Product Development, Moodlerooms, Inc. Jason Hardin, Senior Product Manager, Moodlerooms, Inc. Stuart Lamour, User Experience Developer, Moodlerooms, Inc.

Agenda Background Why are vendor/client collaborations needed? Collaborative Framework Initiation Definition Execution Evaluation

Background Catalyst: In 2012, UM students filed a complaint with Office for Civil Right’s alleging that the University of Montana was using inaccessible technologies, including inaccessible forums in the Learning Management System, Moodlerooms.

Why Are Collaborations Needed? Push vendors beyond RFP answers Improve usability for all Create long lasting communications Other reasons?

Collaborative Framework

Initiation Phase Catalyst for the vendor Vendor and client must be willing to work collaboratively Vendor or client must have accessibility expertise Vendor must have full control to resolve the issue Other variables?

Definition Phase Define a purpose and goals Define team Define collaboration Define a timeline for execution Determine third party involvement Other requirements?

Execution Phase Prototype the solution before full build Test with multiple users Be flexible Other supportive factors?

Execution Phase View the video on YouTube: Screen Reader Demo Questions: How did you facilitate your user interviews?

Evaluation Phase Define success Follow internal process Use functionality in a live setting Other requirements?

Evaluation Phase View the video on YouTube: Accessible Forum View Demonstration

Closing Thoughts