Accessibility Evaluation on Steam Website
Steam is the ultimate digital platform for gamers, offering a massive library of games spanning various genres, from AAA titles to indie gems. With a user-friendly interface, Steam provides seamless game purchasing, cloud saves, and automatic updates, ensuring an effortless gaming experience. The platform also features community-driven content, including forums, reviews, and in-game item trading, fostering a vibrant and interactive gaming community.
Beyond gaming, Steam offers features like remote play, game streaming, and mod support through the Steam Workshop, allowing players to customize their experience. Frequent sales and discounts make it an attractive hub for gamers looking to expand their collections, while multiplayer and matchmaking services enable seamless co-op and competitive gameplay across the globe.
UX Research & Strategy
Analyzed user behavior and interface design to enhance navigation and user experience.
Accessibility
Implemented design principles aligned with WCAG guidelines, ensuring improved readability, keyboard navigation, and color contrast for better accessibility.
Testing & Iteration
Performed usability testing, including screen reader compatibility checks, to refine the interface and create a more inclusive experience.
Challenge
he Steam website currently faces significant accessibility challenges that hinder its usability for individuals with disabilities. Key areas of concern include navigating the main page, product searching and understanding, managing the shopping cart, account creation, and the checkout process. These issues not only limit the user experience but also fail to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA standards. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for Valve Corporation to expand its market reach, enhance user experience, and demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. By improving accessibility, Valve Corporation can ensure that Steam remains a welcoming and user-friendly platform for all users, including those with disabilities, thereby broadening its customer base and reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance to global web accessibility standards. Below are the main concerns:
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Navigation of the main page
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Product searching and understanding
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Shopping cart management
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Account creation process
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Checkout process
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Adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA
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Limited user experience for individuals with disabilities
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Restricted market reach due to accessibility barriers
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Potential legal risks from non-compliance with global web accessibility standards
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Need to demonstrate commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility
Solution
To improve usability and accessibility, I first conducted UX research to identify pain points in navigation, readability, and interaction. By analyzing these issues, I implemented solutions aligned with WCAG guidelines, such as adjusting color contrast, optimizing keyboard navigation, and ensuring clear visual hierarchy. I also introduced structured layouts and scalable typography to enhance readability across different devices. Through iterative usability testing, including screen reader evaluations and user feedback sessions, I refined the interface to ensure an intuitive and inclusive experience. Continuous testing and adjustments will help maintain accessibility while enhancing user engagement.
Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for enhancing the Steam website’s accessibility will follow a structured and iterative approach. Initially, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current website through automated tools like PowerMapper to identify preliminary accessibility issues. This will be followed by manual inspections to address more nuanced aspects such as logical navigation, appropriate ALT text for images, and compatibility with various assistive technologies. To gain deeper insights, we will perform experience walkthroughs, simulating the user journey from the perspective of individuals with disabilities. Based on the findings, we will develop and prioritize design recommendations that align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA. These recommendations will then be prototyped and tested with real users to ensure effectiveness. The process will involve continuous feedback and iterations, ensuring that the final design solutions are robust and inclusive and significantly improve the user experience for all Steam users. Check STEAM WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY EVALUATION WCAG for the link.
User Research
Automated Code Inspection
Utilizing PowerMapper, an automated website testing software, to scan the Steam website's code for potential accessibility issues. PowerMapper will identify problems in line with web standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Manual Inspection
This process addresses issues that automated tools may overlook, focusing on elements like logical navigation order, appropriate ALT text for images, and the overall user experience for various assistive technologies.
Experience Walkthrough
This approach simulates the user experience from the perspective of individuals with disabilities. It involves navigating the website using keyboard-only and screen reader functions to perform tasks such as searching, accessing products, adding products to the carts, etc.
Key Findings
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Insufficient text alternatives for non-text content
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Inadequate navigation mechanisms for keyboard and screen reader users
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Low contrast ratios
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Unavailability of accessible media controls
Anticipated Result
The anticipated result of Steam's accessibility evaluation is a significantly enhanced website that is user-friendly and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. This evaluation will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current accessibility landscape, highlighting key areas for improvement. By addressing these areas, Valve Corporation can ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, thereby reducing legal risks and demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility and diversity. The improved accessibility will expand Steam’s market reach by making the platform more usable for a broader audience, including individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities. These enhancements will not only boost the company's brand image but also foster a more inclusive gaming community, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
