Increase cognitive accessibility in digital interfaces

Cognitive accessibility is often overlooked, making many digital services difficult to understand and use. To increase accessibility, more knowledge is needed.

Many people need cognitive support when using digital services. Examples of cognitive support include more understandable text, easier navigation or memory support. Despite the large and growing target group for cognitive accessibility, there is often a lack of understanding of these needs when developing digital interfaces.

As a result, users with cognitive disabilities find that digital services have become more difficult to use. This is shown in several studies, including from the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority and the European Commission.

We want to change that. In a project funded by the Swedish Inheritance Fund, we want to increase knowledge about cognitive needs by letting users themselves demonstrate the challenges they face on the web.

Educational films based on users’ own experiences

In this project, we will work with people with cognitive disabilities and older adults to create educational films where users themselves describe their experiences. The films will show concrete examples of how different accessibility issues affect users and also demonstrate solutions that work.

The films will be complemented by training materials for website owners, buyers, developers and designers, as well as information materials for people with cognitive disabilities and user organisations.

Clear milestones to create change

During the spring of 2025 we will focus on mapping user needs. Through interviews, surveys and workshops, we will collect users’ stories to better understand the challenges they face and the solutions that work in practice.

The next step in the project is to develop prototypes that illustrate both barriers and possible improvements in digital services. These will form the basis for the production of the educational films. The films and associated training materials will then be tested and adapted together with both users and pilot testers in the public and private sector.

In the final year of the project, we will finalise and validate the training material, conduct training sessions and webinars, and work to disseminate the knowledge to more people.

With this project, we are taking the next step to create a more inclusive digital society, where everyone – regardless of cognitive abilities – has the opportunity to access digital services on equal terms.