Hey there! Let's talk about something super important - accessibility within your knowledge base. It's like the foundation of the internet, but sometimes it can feel like an impossible task to get it right.

The web has come a long way. From its humble beginnings as a system for sharing scientific information, it has evolved into a sprawling network of billions of pages, with new technologies emerging rapidly. As more people have joined the web-building community, both professionally and as hobbyists, accessibility has often been overlooked. While some basic accessibility features are built into modern web standards, they're not nearly comprehensive enough to ensure equal access for all users. This oversight has led to a growing digital divide, potentially excluding millions of users with disabilities from fully participating in the online world.

The thing is, accessibility isn't always a top priority for everyone out there. As the tech grew, it was easier and easier to just, well, ignore it. And that meant a lot of folks with disabilities were left out in the cold when it came to accessing online content.

But you know what they say - the more things change, the more they stay the same. We've still got a ways to go, but things are definitely looking up. Take YouTube's automatic captions, for example. Sure, they're not perfect, but they're a huge step in the right direction. Now creators can add captions to their videos without breaking a sweat. That's a game-changer for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Understanding Web Accessibility

So, what does accessibility on the web actually mean? Basically, it's all about making your web page easy to use for as many people as possible. That could mean making sure it loads quickly for folks with slow internet, or ensuring screen readers can navigate the page with ease. It's about creating a seamless experience for everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

And when it comes to building an accessible knowledge base, it's all about the little things. Things like properly labeling your search bar, using the right HTML elements, and optimizing those images. Trust me, those details make a big difference. If you're not careful, you could be alienating a whole bunch of your customers without even realizing it.

And let's not forget about mobile accessibility. With more than half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices these days, it's crucial to make sure your knowledge base is a breeze to use on the go. That means things like responsive design, scaling down image quality, and maybe even a handy dandy hamburger menu. After all, your customers aren't just sitting at their desks - they're on the go, and they need that self-serve help at their fingertips.

Building an Accessible Knowledge Base

Now, let's dive a bit deeper into making your Knowledge Base articles themselves more accessible. It's not just about the structure - the content itself plays a huge role in accessibility.

First up, let's talk about images. We all love a good visual aid, right? But for folks using screen readers, images can be a real stumbling block if they're not properly described. That's where alt text comes in. It's like giving your images a voice, describing what they show for people who can't see them. And trust me, a good alt text can make all the difference.

For example, let's say you've got a screenshot of your product's dashboard. Instead of just labeling it "Dashboard screenshot," try something like "Screenshot of product dashboard showing user analytics, recent activity, and quick-access menu." See the difference? It's all about painting a picture with words.

Another accessibility superstar is the humble table of contents. It might seem like a small thing, but for users with screen readers, it's a game-changer. It allows them to skip right to the section they need instead of having to listen to the entire article. Plus, it's great for all users who want to quickly find the information they're after. Win-win!

And let's not forget about video content. If you're using videos in your Knowledge Base (and you totally should - they're great for tutorials), always, always, always include captions. Not only does this help folks who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it's also super useful for people watching in noisy environments or those who prefer reading to listening. There are tons of tools out there that can help with transcription, so there's really no excuse not to caption your videos.

One more thing to keep in mind is the way you structure your content. Big blocks of text can be intimidating and hard to read, especially for people with cognitive disabilities or learning differences. Break things up into smaller paragraphs, use bullet points and numbered lists, and don't be afraid to use headings and subheadings to organize your content. Your readers will thank you!

The Importance of Continuous Improvement

The bottom line is, accessibility should be a top priority when you're building a knowledge base. After all, that's where a lot of your customers are going to end up when they need help. Let's make sure everyone can find the answers they're looking for, no matter their abilities or circumstances.

And speaking of keeping your knowledge base the best it can be, have you heard about Ariglad? It's a game-changing tool that can elevate your knowledge management to new heights through AI. Ariglad transforms your knowledge base into a dynamic, self-improving system that automatically adapts to your users' evolving needs. With Ariglad, you can ensure your information stays current, relevant, and easily accessible, making your entire knowledge ecosystem smarter and more efficient.

BOOK A DEMO