Can you tell us about the background of the review?
– Parkering Göteborg, owned by the City of Gothenburg, operates several digital services—including an app, website, and customer portal. During the development of a new version of ‘My Pages’, accessibility became a key focus. That’s when we decided to conduct an accessibility review and build a new design system.
What measures were taken to ensure the new website met accessibility requirements?
To meet the standards for public digital services, we took several steps:
• Documentation: We compiled information on digital accessibility and communicated internally why it was important.
• Checklist: A structured checklist was created to systematically review and improve all digital services.
• Accessibility Report: We published a detailed report on the website’s accessibility, which is a legal requirement.”
How did DIGG respond to your efforts?
– We almost hoped DIGG would come and review us, and then they suddenly got in touch. DIGG decided to review Parkering Göteborg’s website, ‘My Pages’, and the customer forum (a third-party solution).
How did the review process work?
– DIGG’s process included a manual examination of home and content pages, search functions, and the accessibility report. They also evaluated third-party integrations, such as BankID.
What lessons did you learn from the review?
– After the review, DIGG provided a report detailing identified shortcomings and improvement recommendations. Key lessons included:
- Responsibility for Third-Party Solutions: Even when using external providers, the organization is responsible for ensuring the service works for all users.
- BankID Time Limitations: We discovered that BankID’s verification interface has a 30-second time limit, which can cause issues for some users. Clearer instructions and possibly extending the time limit are needed.
- Reporting Function: An accessibility report shouldn’t only list shortcomings—it should also offer a way for users to report issues directly on the website.
- Support for Dark Mode: Websites and apps must respect user system settings for light/dark mode and offer a manual toggle.
Once the review was complete, we were given a deadline to establish a plan for addressing the shortcomings.”
What advice do you have for organizations working on digital accessibility?
– I have three key tips:
- Integrate Accessibility Early: Incorporate accessibility from the start in your design and development processes to save time and resources later.
- Ensure Screen Reader Compatibility: Make sure that all content works well with screen readers to create a more inclusive service.
- Use Clear and Consistent Interfaces: A good user experience depends on clarity and predictability for all users.”
Finally, how do you view being reviewed by DIGG?
– Being reviewed by DIGG isn’t as daunting as it might seem. It’s an opportunity to improve your digital services and make them more inclusive. Parkering Göteborg’s experience shows that digital accessibility is not an impossible task—it’s an essential and achievable part of digital development.
Does your organization need to get started with accessibility? Read more about how we can help and get in touch here!
