When robotics hit the age of modernity, theories, books, movies, and television often depicted machines as potential threats to replace humans. And while some technology solutions and advancements may pose concern for substituting capabilities of mankind, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can serve as an empowerment tool to support the developing demands of our society. Digital accessibility has not only proven the benefits of AI, but also integrates deep and machine learning to support innovative, inclusive online user experience (UX).
Understanding The Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life
In the simplest terms, Artificial Intelligence is technology that simulates human capabilities, often used to perform digitally automated tasks on our behalf that are time-consuming, tedious, and even error-prone. When it comes to using artificial intelligence daily, most smartphones integrate a range of AI technologies, including voice, facial, and fingerprint recognition, all of them optimizing mobile accessibility while helping enforce security.
AI is frequently used for complex and robust tasks that require quick and accurate analysis of data, with Google even presenting search results based on your previous search and interests using artificial intelligence. Examples of AI in everyday life range, benefiting online users with visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments to process digital content, while organizations in fields like law enforcement, government, finance, and pharma employ deep and machine learning technologies to gather and analyze mass amounts of critical data for investigations.
The areas of our lives that are improved with powerful artificial intelligence technology are vast. Examples of artificial intelligence in everyday life creating a measurable impact on digital accessibility range:
- Drives Inclusive and Engaging UX with Innovation: leading web development and performance marketing agencies have seen everything from a CTR (Click Through Rate) increase to a drop in bounce rates with the integration of AI-powered accessibility widgets.
- Helps Meet Compliance with ADA (American Disabilities Act) Requirements: a source indicates a projected 200% increase in repeat accessibility lawsuits in 2023, predicting 200% increase in 2023. eCommerce companies are at the biggest risk, amounting to 77% of ADA and accessibility lawsuits, with the food industry in second at 8% of cases. Staying compliant with digital accessibility mandates is a must.
- Increases Sales & Buyer Inclusion: 1 in 4 American adults living with disabilities present a disposable income of $1.28 trillion, and accessible digital content increases earning potential and sets leaders apart.
Innovative, interactive, and engaging online experiences are critical now more than, and AI is often integral to the process.
Using Artificial Intelligence Technology To Drive Accessible UX
The internet has transformed the way we deal with transactional and informational processes, from shopping online, to submitting insurance and medical claims, to filing taxes. The web has become an inherent part of nearly every administrative, personal, and professional process. Web accessibility with the aid of technologies integrating artificial intelligence in healthcare, for example, could optimize the experience of online users with disabilities in filing a medical claim, acquiring a prescription, or accessing helpful and educational content regarding conditions.
You don’t have to look too hard to identify artificial intelligence in medicine or education, and nearly any field with online presence, particularly when it comes to accessible online learning. Artificial intelligence in the workplace, in homes, and on-the-go has become an integral element of human interaction with technology. Looking at some of the specific types of AI that can help us identify how they drive inclusive and accessible digital experiences for everyone, especially individuals with disabilities:
- Biometrics
Facial, Voice, and Fingerprint Recognition: Seamless, & Secure
With the increasing concerns regarding cybersecurity and identity theft, AI technology allows mobile and desktop users to securely access and interact with biometric data. With the touch of a finger, scan of faces, or the recognition of voice, digital users can engage with applications, online content and experience optimal functionality of both. Voice and facial recognition can be particularly helpful to individuals with visual impairments, while also enforcing security and providing a touch-free environment and experience for any online user.
- Captions of Video & Audio Content
Interactive Engagement for Hearing Impairments
While coined as an essential aspect of television broadcast accessibility, with the explosion of the internet, captioning video and audio content is now critical to ensure an inclusive and seamless user experience for those with hearing impairments. Artificial Intelligence listens and scans the text to replicate voiceover or audio of video and audio content, a turnkey tool for compliant web accessibility.
- Adjustment of Graphic Design
Automated Optimization of UI (User Interface) for Visual Clarity
Forrester tells us that businesses can miss out on approximately $1.9 billion in revenue if web design is not accessible, and roughly 60% of organizations are committing to producing executive-led accessible products. With these statistics, it’s no wonder that automated adjustments of web design with artificial intelligence technology are crucial to ensure an inclusive user experience that meets ADA requirements and WCAG guidelines.
- Voice to Text
Translating Speech into Text for Individuals with Visual & Motor Impairments
People with visual or motor impairments can benefit dramatically from Artificial Intelligence that enables the transcription of orated content, converting it into writing. Voice to text functionality also allows individuals multi-tasking to create content hands-free, simplifying content creation and communication in written form. While some artificial intelligence algorithms still require improvement in recording accurate messages, most times simple edits are all it takes to ensure precision.
- Assistive Compatibility
Automating Content Accessibility
Individuals with learning and cognitive disabilities along with visual impairments are all critical stakeholders and content consumers, and ensuring content accessibility is automated opens doorways to them. With integration of AI-driven speech readers, content becomes instantly accessible and can simplify the comprehension and processing of information for broader audiences.
- Keyboard Navigation
Surfing the Web with Frictionless AI-powered Technology
Operating a mouse and keyboard can be cumbersome for online users with motor or visual impairments. Artificial intelligence enables seamless engagement with online content, applications or platforms with keyboard navigation. People can move through web pages and digital content with specific keystrokes and commands. With eCommerce thriving, this is a particularly beneficial tool for online retailers to maximize sales and bottom line.
UserWay Widget 4.0: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Technology for Accessibility
UserWay’s Widget 4.0 is frequently adopted by businesses looking to automate digital accessibility with exceptional user experience and engagement to help ensure ADA compliance. The widget automates remediation of fixes required to optimize accessibility with recommendations to improve design, UI, and even language to ensure an inclusive online experience.
The UserWay Widget 4.0 empowers organizations with the ability to benchmark standards of industry leadership with innovation, for a competitive edge that truly speaks miles for their understanding of inclusion and user experience.
Answers to Common FAQs
What is Artificial Intelligence technology and how does using Artificial Intelligence improve accessibility?
Artificial Intelligence is technology, be it software or hardware, that simulates the capabilities and functions of human beings, from physical and motoric tasks, to analysis of complex data using machine learning and deep learning algorithms. It’s often used to produce results faster, with greater accuracy and cost-effectively.
With the complexity and competition of online content creators, using artificial intelligence to optimize user accessibility, presence, and inclusion is a best practice. Organizations are increasingly adopting AI-powered accessibility tools to ensure user experience is both exceptional and compliant with ADA regulations, helping them stand out as industry leaders with an innovative touch.
What are some examples of AI in everyday life?
Artificial Intelligence is at the core of many of our everyday technological resources, from physical mobility applications like Moovit and Google Maps, to voice to text applications like Siri that improve mobile user engagement and experience. With Artificial Intelligence advancements, organizations that specialize in tedious data analysis and require business intelligence insights can optimize processes cost-effectively. People with disabilities benefit from the power of Artificial Intelligence as it drives innovative online interactivity, ensuring an inclusive online journey for buyers and digital content consumers.
What is the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and the future of human beings and quality of life?
As technology evolves and the online buying experience becomes increasingly competitive with only the most fresh, exciting, and engaging online experiences converting and growing customer loyalty, the need for AI technology will only rise and only the most innovative online retailers will get ahead. When it comes to everyday life, the benefits of AI to individuals with disabilities will only increase, as ADA mandates and compliance requirements tighten.
