QualityForge 2024, a virtual conference dedicated to digital accessibility, took place on October 10, bringing together a group of professionals committed to improving digital accessibility and inclusive design. Organized by TestDevLab, this virtual event had a great mix of speakers from top companies like BrowserStack, Optum, ACTUM, Mindvalley, and more.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed presentations, panel discussions, and testing demos that provided valuable insights into making technology usable for everyone. Experts shared real stories and practical tips, highlighting that accessibility is about more than just following the rules—it's about doing what's right for users and businesses alike. With sessions designed for a wide range of participants, including QA engineers, product owners, UI/UX designers, and C-level executives, QualityForge was all about sharing the know-how everyone needs when it comes to making digital products accessible.

Why digital accessibility matters?

Making digital content accessible isn't just a nice-to-have feature—it's essential. According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 billion people globally live with some form of disability, highlighting the need for websites and applications that meet the different needs of these users. Accessibility ensures that everyone can access and enjoy digital content, regardless of their abilities.

At the QualityForge conference, many speakers emphasized how crucial it is to incorporate accessibility into the design process from the very start. But it’s not just about being ethical, there are also legal standards that organizations need to keep in mind. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which is set to come into effect in 2025, requires that digital products and services within the EU comply with accessibility requirements. Ignoring the EAA can lead to legal repercussions, including potential fines and damage to an organization’s reputation.

You might be interested in our whitepaper: Digital Accessibility & EAA: Telecommunications Industry Under Review

Designing for accessibility not only meets legal standards but also enhances overall user experience. By utilizing web accessibility tools, organizations can identify barriers that limit usability. These tools help flag issues like missing alt text or poor color contrast, making it easier for developers to create user-friendly content. However, while tools are helpful, they are not a substitute for human insight. For a comprehensive understanding of accessibility testing, check out our article on accessibility testing and why it is important. With all these points in mind, it’s clear that accessibility is not just a trend but a necessity. So, what do the experts have to say on the topic? Here’s our recap of the insightful speeches from the QualityForge conference:

Speaker #1: Eeva-Jonna Panula

Is This App Accessible? A Live Testing Demo

Quality Forge speaker, Eeva-Jonna Panula, shown on screen going through a Spotify demonstration

Starting strong, Eeva-Jonna Panula, a Senior Android Developer and Accessibility Specialist at ŌURA, engaged the audience with a live demonstration using the popular music streaming app, Spotify. She emphasized that accessibility must be an integral part of app development from the very beginning, stating, “Accessibility is not a feature; it should be present from the beginning.” This perspective set the tone for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in software development regarding accessibility.

During her demonstration, Eeva-Jonna utilized the Accessibility Scanner tool to uncover potential accessibility issues within Spotify. She pointed out that many touch targets were smaller than the recommended sizes, making them difficult to tap for users with motor impairments. Additionally, she highlighted the need for improved text scaling, noting instances where text cut off mid-sentence, which could lead to confusion among users. She also shared her personal experiences with distracting animations, advocating for options to disable them for a more comfortable user experience.

Her presentation was a powerful reminder that accessibility is fundamentally about real user experiences. By prioritizing accessibility, developers can create applications that truly meet the needs of all users, helping to create a more inclusive digital environment. Eeva-Jonna's insights highlighted that accessibility should not be an afterthought but a core principle guiding the design process, ensuring that everyone can engage fully with digital platforms.

Watch or listen to Eeva-Jonna’s talk here.

Speakers #2: Jolanta Lapa and Laura Pintere

Be the Change: The Journey to Accessible Design

Next up, Jolanta Lapa, Product Manager, and Laura Pintere, UX Designer, both from eParaksts, took the stage to share their journey toward making their customer portal more accessible. Jolanta explained how they viewed a necessary technology upgrade as an opportunity to rethink the user experience, emphasizing that creating inclusivity involves more than just technical fixes. She noted the importance of focusing on key areas, like their document signing solution, as manageable steps that can lead to significant improvements over time.

Laura highlighted that having the courage to take risks is crucial on the path to accessible design, reminding everyone that even small changes can lead to meaningful progress toward inclusivity. Their discussion served as a strong reminder that prioritizing accessibility goes beyond merely meeting legal requirements; it’s about genuinely enhancing the digital experience for everyone.

Both speakers stressed the vital role of teamwork in making accessibility a reality. Jolanta encouraged collaboration among product managers, designers, developers, and stakeholders alike. They shared real-world examples where initial designs met accessibility guidelines but still fell short of user needs, underscoring the necessity for redesigns that truly prioritize user experience. Their message is clear: all organizations should view accessibility as a fundamental principle in their digital offerings.

Watch or listen to Jolanta and Laura’s talk here.

Speaker #3: Ondřej Pohl

Creating an Accessible Website: Expectations vs. Reality

Ondřej Pohl, Accessibility Director at ACTUM Digital, took the stage to highlight the importance of accessibility in connecting diverse users with digital content and the need to consider accessibility from the very beginning of any project. Drawing from his extensive experience with various organizations, Ondřej pointed out that true accessibility goes beyond just meeting legal requirements—it requires a genuine commitment to enhancing the overall user experience.

In his presentation, he debunked common misconceptions about accessibility, particularly the belief that it is an easy or inexpensive process. Ondřej outlined three key pillars of accessibility: design, development, and content. For each phase, he identified critical issues, such as ensuring sufficient contrast in design elements and providing clear labels for input fields. He emphasized the importance of making interactive elements easily focusable and highlighted the need for well-designed captions to assist users with cognitive difficulties.

As he concluded his session, he highlighted that accessibility is a shared responsibility among all team members. By encouraging collaboration and open communication, organizations can effectively create digital solutions that meet the needs of all users. His insights were a crucial reminder that while achieving accessibility can be challenging, the benefits for users are well worth the effort.

Watch or listen to Ondřej’s talk here.

Speakers #4: Rimvydas Petkus and Mare Heinluht

Panel Discussion: The Right Mindset as a Key to Inclusive Design

Speakers Rimvydas Petkus and Mare Heinluht shown on screen while Quality Forge hosts are seated in studio

The next talk featured a thought-provoking panel discussion between Rimvydas Petkus and Mare Heinluht on the essential mindset required for inclusive design. Mare, the global Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Bolt, emphasized that creating accessible products begins with an awareness of diversity and bias. She pointed out that neglecting inclusivity not only harms users but also reflects poorly on business practices. Mare argued that a commitment to inclusivity is vital for both ethical and commercial reasons.

Rimvydas, a board member at the LSTQB, expanded on this by highlighting the need to embed accessibility within organizational culture. He stressed that accessibility should not be viewed merely as a compliance issue but as a fundamental element of quality assurance. His perspective highlighted that every team member—from product managers to developers—plays a part in creating an inclusive environment.

The discussion underlined the importance of continuous learning and user feedback in refining accessibility efforts. Mare and Rimvydas called for organizations to engage with users from diverse backgrounds and to prioritize collaboration across all levels. They concluded that embracing inclusivity is not just a moral obligation; it’s a strategic advantage that can lead to improved user satisfaction and a more equitable society.

Watch or listen to Rimvydas and Mare’s talk here.

Speaker # 5: Adrián Bolonio

Design Systems and How to Use Them in an Accessible Way

Adrián Bolonio, a Senior Accessibility Software Engineer at Miro provided insightful perspectives on utilizing Design Systems to improve accessibility in digital products. Adrián emphasized the necessity of integrating accessibility from the outset of the design process, framing it as a fundamental aspect rather than a secondary consideration.

Adrián began by clarifying that Design Systems extend beyond mere components or layouts. They also include elements such as brand identity, voice, tone, and writing styles. A crucial aspect he introduced was the use of tokens—name-value pairs that represent small design decisions like colors and font sizes. This flexibility enables teams to create themes that cater to diverse user needs, including high contrast options for users with visual impairments.

A recurring theme in Adrián's talk was the misconception that accessibility can be treated as a checklist. He highlighted that labeling a component as "accessible" does not guarantee its usability for all. For instance, he stressed the significance of meaningful alt text and cautioned against the misuse of this feature for SEO purposes. Adrián concluded by advocating for comprehensive documentation, which serves as a guide for developers to implement best practices effectively.

Watch or listen to Adrián’s talk here.

Speakers #6: Līga Lētiņa and Elīna Siskevica

Panel Discussion: Why Accessibility is a Win-Win for Users and Businesses?

QualityForge 2024 continued with an engaging discussion featuring Līga Lētiņa, Head of Design at Printify, and Elīna Siskevica, Accessibility Testing Department Lead at TestDevLab. Their dialogue centered on the critical importance of accessibility in design and how it benefits both users and businesses alike.

A significant focus of their discussion was the real benefits accessibility brings to businesses. Līga emphasized that accessibility shouldn't be seen just as a compliance obligation. Instead, it improves user experience, builds customer loyalty, and broadens market reach. Elīna supported this by pointing out that well-designed accessible products make things easier for everyone, not just those with disabilities. Simple design choices, like clear navigation and adaptable layouts, can improve the overall user experience.

As the conversation wrapped up, Līga shared a powerful message: “We are all the same, and we are all more connected.” Both speakers highlighted that making accessibility a priority isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart business move that can lead to happier users and stronger loyalty. With upcoming regulations set to emphasize the importance of accessibility, it's essential for organizations to incorporate inclusive practices in their digital products, ensuring that everyone has the chance to participate.

Watch or listen to Līga and Elīna’s panel discussion here.

Speaker #7: Piotr Zrolka

Breaking Barriers: Best Practices in Accessibility Testing

Accessibility expert, Piotr Zrolka, shown on screen discussing different screen readers

Next, we heard from Piotr Zrolka, an Accessibility Expert and CEO of Kinaole, who addressed the critical need for improved accessibility in digital products. His presentation emphasized that over a billion people worldwide face challenges when using technology, making accessibility not just an ethical concern but also a vital business strategy.

Piotr highlighted the significance of adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), detailing the three levels of compliance: Single A, Double A, and Triple A. He urged attendees to go beyond mere compliance, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of user demographics, including age, gender, and language.

A key point of his talk was the importance of early testing during the design phase. He introduced the concept of "corner testing," where designers role-play as users with disabilities to gain insights into their experiences. This practice helps identify potential accessibility issues early, ensuring that solutions are more effectively integrated into the design.

Piotr wrapped up by encouraging attendees to connect with the accessibility community, learn from those with disabilities, and push for design practices that help everyone out.

Watch or listen to Piotr’s talk here.

Speaker #8: Mick Keane

Integrating Digital Accessibility Successfully

Our next speaker, Mick Keane, Principal Digital Accessibility Engineer at Optum, presented insights on integrating digital accessibility successfully. He emphasized that accessibility is about enhancing user experiences, particularly for individuals with disabilities, rather than merely complying with guidelines.

Mick illustrated how Optum prioritizes accessibility through its dedicated team of 50 engineers, stressing the importance of investing in people and building a culture of inclusivity. He outlined six key approaches for effective integration:

1. Invest in people. Focus on user needs over compliance.

2. Develop the right culture. Leadership commitment is essential.

3. Create internal standards. Ensure consistency and clarity across teams.

4. Shift accessibility left. Address accessibility issues early in the development process.

5. Take small steps. Start with manageable initiatives to encourage progress.

6. Maintain strong foundations. Prioritize project management and communication.

Mick concluded by pointing out that integrating accessibility requires a collaborative effort across all organizational levels, ultimately leading to products that benefit everyone.

Watch or listen to Mick’s talk here.

Speaker #9: Maya Sellon

Considering the 'Human' in Human-Centered Design: Being Human in a Tele-Everything World

Maya Sellon, Inclusive Design & Digital Accessibility Principal at Shell, delivered a presentation on the significance of incorporating the human element into design. Her speech grabbed the audience's attention as she urged them to prioritize real human experiences in their work.

Getting into Human-Centered Design (HCD), Maya pointed out that the true essence of this framework lies in valuing individual experiences. She challenged the audience to think about who qualifies as "real people" in the design process, advocating for products that include everyone, especially those often left behind. Maya also highlighted the growing gap in digital accessibility, made worse by economic inequalities and a lack of diversity in the tech workforce.

In her conclusion, Maya provided practical strategies for building inclusivity within tech teams and emphasized the need to ask the right questions to tackle digital exclusion. Her strong call to action reminded attendees that to create technology that serves everyone, the industry must keep humanity at its core. Maya's insights left a lasting impression, highlighting the essential role of empathy, representation, and diversity in the design process.

Watch or listen to Maya’s talk here.

Speaker #10: David Burns

David Burns, Head of Open Source at BrowserStack, took the stage to address a critical question in the tech community: Can Test Automation Solve Accessibility Testing? With his extensive background in quality assurance, David shared valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities within the field of accessibility.

David began by highlighting the web as one of humanity’s significant achievements, advocating for a digital space that is inclusive for all. He expressed concern about ongoing accessibility issues and the importance of addressing them genuinely rather than just meeting minimum regulatory standards.

He discussed the role of automation in accessibility testing, noting that automated tools often offer only surface-level assessments. Using the example of an "accessible" set of stairs that doesn't work in practice, he illustrated the necessity of combining automation with human insight, as human testers provide a deeper understanding.

David called for collaboration within the tech community to improve accessibility, urging developers to view challenges as opportunities for growth. By fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous learning, organizations can create digital environments that truly benefit all users.

Watch or listen to David’s talk here.

Speaker #11: Susanna Laurin

Preparing for the European Accessibility Act

Quality Forge speaker, Susanna Laurin, shown on screen discussing EU regulations and EU directives

Susanna Laurin, Chair of the Funka Foundation, shed light on an important topic for organizations facing upcoming accessibility regulations, specifically, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to take effect on June 28, 2025.

Susanna opened her presentation by explaining the nature of the EAA, noting that it serves as a directive rather than a regulation. This distinction means that while the EAA sets a common purpose across EU member states, individual countries will adapt its implementation to their specific contexts. She emphasized that understanding this flexibility is essential for organizations as they prepare for compliance.

The discussion highlighted the wide-ranging implications of the EAA, which applies not only to EU-based entities but also to those outside the EU looking to operate within its market. Laurin identified key components of the EAA, including the requirement for digital content to be accessible and the importance of adhering to European standards, specifically EN 301 549.

Laurin provided actionable recommendations for preparing for the EAA, encouraging businesses to conduct accessibility analyses, evaluate internal resources, and establish clear procedures. She stressed that accessibility should be an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time project, showing the idea that viewing accessibility as an opportunity can lead to significant improvements in user experiences.

Watch or listen to Susanna’s talk here.

Speaker #12: Pedro Velhinho

Inclusive by Design: How Accessibility Enhances SEO and Boosts User Experience

Pedro Velhinho, Senior SEO Specialist at Mindvalley, took the stage for the final presentation, tackling the critical relationship between accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO). He emphasized that designing for accessibility not only serves users with disabilities but also enhances overall user experience and SEO outcomes.

Pedro defined accessibility as a foundational layer for inclusive digital experiences, underscoring its importance for all users, especially the estimated 2.2 billion individuals worldwide with visual impairments. He humorously likened Google to visually impaired users, noting that just as Google relies on content and structure rather than visuals, so too must web design prioritize accessibility.

Throughout his presentation, Pedro highlighted the shared goals of accessibility and SEO. He discussed critical elements such as the importance of descriptive alt text for images, clear button labels, and proper use of headers. Each of these factors not only aids accessibility but also improves search engine rankings, highlighting that accessible design benefits everyone.

Watch or listen to Pedro’s talk here.

Final words

As we wrapped up QualityForge 2024, it’s clear that we had a fantastic day talking about why digital accessibility and inclusive design really matter. Speakers shared their insights, reminding us that accessibility isn’t just an extra feature—it’s a must-have for creating great digital experiences for everyone. The key takeaways from the conference show that making our digital products accessible not only benefits those with disabilities but also improves the experience for all users. Companies that focus on accessibility don’t just meet legal requirements like the European Accessibility Act, they also gain more engagement and loyalty from their customers and see better results in search engine rankings.

For more insights from the conference, you can listen to all the speakers here.

Want to know more about digital accessibility and why it’s important for your product? Or perhaps you want to integrate accessibility into your product? Contact us to learn more about our accessibility testing, audit, and consultancy services.

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QualityForge 2024 Recap: A Day Dedicated to Digital Accessibility

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