Detroit Accessibility Project
An responsive website that provides comprehensive venue accessibility information in Detroit.
Team
Farjana Chadni, Charlotte Bachelor, Emily Lin, Kennedi Cosma, Addison Walton, Mohamed Malik, Isabelle Derocher
Tools
Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, JavaScript, WordPress, Crocoblock, Elementor
Project Duration
January 2022 - November 2022
Overview
Detroit Accessibility Project (DAP) is a nonprofit organization meant to act as a resource on venue accessibility in Detroit. The founder Charlotte Bachelor believes that everyone (with or without disabilities) should be able to enjoy the sights Detroit has to offer without feeling like an afterthought. Click to view the website
Problem
There is no one-stop-shop for accessibility information for Downtown Detroit. Information on the websites of individual stadiums, theaters, and museums can be challenging to find, or non-existent. When these venues do provide accessibility information, it often times only applies to those with mobility issues but doesn’t address sensory or other non-visible disabilities. Without this information, navigating Detroit can be laborious for someone with a disability, and it excludes them from cultural spaces.
Goal
Create a sustainable accessibility guide for venues in Detroit; Bring accessibility to the forefront and give disabled individuals an equal shot to engage and participate with their communities.
Solution
Target Audience
- Individuals with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities
- Family, friends, and caregivers of individuals with disabilities
Given the diverse and inclusive target audience, it is critical that the DAP website is designed with accessibility as a high priority. People with disabilities often face difficulties in accessing information and resources online due to its inaccessible features. Thus, it is essential that the DAP website is user-friendly and accessible. By prioritizing accessibility in the development of the DAP website, DAP can appeal to its audiences and demonstrate its commitment to inclusive design.
Research Data
This data was pulled from the 2019 American Community Survey which provided detailed information disability.
Ideation
- How might we help visitors sort for the results they are looking for?
- How might we provide a filtering system that accounts for a diverse list of accessibility needs?
- How might we organize information in a way that makes it easy and effortless to find?
User Flow
Wireframe
Branding Kit
High-fidelity Prototype
Obstacles
- Challenge in gathering data: Despite the team’s efforts to reach out to the venues for accurate accessibility information, the response was slow and inconsistent.
- Challenge in selecting the development platform: Initially website was developed hand coded, However, due to ease of maintenance for client, we rebuild the website using WordPress.
- Challenge with a steep learning curve: As we transitioned to WordPress, we had to utilize the third-party plugin Crocoblock which is a plugin I was not experienced in working nor the DAP team.
What I learned
- Adaptability and Flexibility: The challenges faced during the development process allowed me to understand the importance of being adaptable and flexible in project execution.
- Technical Proficiency in new tools: The steep learning curve of the new development tool for the project allowed me to appreciate the continuous learning process.
- Collaboration and communication: Obstacles faced during the project built allowed me to understand that communication is extremely crucial in overcoming challenges.
Next steps
- Social Media: The Detroit Accessibility Project will soon expand through the creation of a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter account.
- App Development: Once the project picks up momentum in the community, the app development process would begin.
- Expansion: More features can be added to the website, like an interactive map. We hope advancements in the project will generate media attention and inspire more cities.
