What is an overlay?
The term “overlay” is used to describe a technology that consists of two main components: automated remediation technologies and browser-based help tools. These components make it possible to efficiently improve accessibility on websites by automatically finding and correcting existing errors and also offering users individual customization options.
With digi-smartPlugin, automated remediation technology is implemented in a targeted manner. It detects accessibility problems in real time and fixes them automatically without the need for manual intervention. At the same time, the associated digi-assistant is a browser-based help tool that allows users to adapt the presentation and structure of the website to their individual needs.
Automated remediation technology
Automated remediation technologies, such as those implemented in the digi-smart plugin, automatically detect and correct common accessibility errors on websites. When a website is loaded, the plugin checks the page for common errors such as missing alt text, insufficient contrast or non-accessible form fields. These are fixed in real time to make the user experience accessible for all.
Another central function of the digi-smartPlugin is to ensure keyboard operability. This means that all interactive elements of the website – from links and buttons to forms – can be used via the keyboard. This function is particularly important for users who rely on alternative input methods.
A key advantage of the digi-smartPlugin is its ability to automatically adjust the level of support required. This ensures that the necessary adjustments are activated without users or website operators having to take any additional action.
Despite these powerful features, it remains important to recognize that no technology alone can solve all accessibility problems. digi-smartPlugin does, however, provide an effective way to directly address many and common issues and significantly accelerate the implementation of a broader accessibility strategy.
Browser-based help tools
Browser-based help tools, such as digi-assistant, enable users to customize the display and usability of websites. The functions of digi-assistant include
- Enlarge or reduce font sizes,
- Adjusting contrasts,
- Switch to accessible fonts,
- Adjustment of color schemes to improve readability.
One of the main advantages of digi-assistant is its user-friendliness: users can operate this tool intuitively without having to install additional software. This is particularly important for people who have little experience with assistive technology.
The digi-assistant was developed to interact smoothly with other assistive functions, e.g. of operating systems and browsers. This ensures that there are no conflicts or restrictions.
The criticism of overlays and our response
A frequent criticism of overlay tools is that they do not improve the accessibility of websites and sometimes even worsen it. It is important to first understand the difference between a browser-based help tool and remediation technologies.
If you purchase an “accessibility widget” or “wizard” that allows the aforementioned settings, then this is a browser-based help tool or widget that is displayed on your website. It will, if implemented well, improve the user experience on your website. However, because it must be activated manually and does not make any structural adjustments to your website, it does not improve the accessibility of your website in terms of WCAG or BITV. Therefore, when purchasing such a tool, make sure that it is accessible itself. Incidentally, the accessibility of our digi-assistant has been successfully tested 😉
To actually improve the accessibility of your website in terms of WCAG and BITV, it is important that when choosing an overlay tool, you make sure that automated remediation technologies – preferably AI-supported – are used to automatically fix basic and structural accessibility issues on your website. This ensures that users do not have to take any additional steps to benefit from accessibility features. digi-smartPlugin does just that and also automatically adjusts the level of support.
It has also been observed that various overlay tools cause interference with existing assistive technologies. As a result, the use of such tools actually worsens the user experience. We therefore pay particular attention to the specific requirements of assistive technologies during the (further) development of digi-assistant and digi-assistant so that the tools used work hand in hand and make a serious contribution to greater accessibility,
Accessibility today instead of tomorrow
Complete digital accessibility requires a strategy that integrates this accessibility into the development process right from the start. However, there are many website operators who do not have the time, the financial resources or the technical know-how to implement all requirements promptly and completely. Especially not on existing web applications.
This is where solutions such as digi-smartPlugin and digi-assistant come in. They offer a simple and cost-effective way to improve the accessibility of a website immediately, while long-term measures are developed and implemented. Our technology therefore enables you to remove many barriers today.
What comes next?
In the implementation of digital accessibility, technologies such as the digi-smart plugin and digi-assistant will play a central role in making and maintaining websites more accessible in the long term. AI-supported automation remains a key to reaching millions of websites that would otherwise be unable to implement any or only inadequate accessibility measures.
By usingautomated remediation technologies, website operators can make fast and effective progress in making the digital world accessible to all – today and in the future.