Dr. Ronny Andrade Parra

    • Recruiting PhD Candidate in Mixed-Ability Gaming

      Update: Applications closed on Friday 13 June I’m currently recruiting a PhD candidate to work with me! I’m offering a PhD position with a scholarship to conduct research on mixed-ability gaming at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. This recruitment is open to both domestic and international candidates. This research seeks to understand how gamers with…

    • Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA)

      The Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) title is obtained through passing the CPACC and WAS exams. The WAS certification evaluates hands-on technical accessibility skills, covering various areas such as guidelines, testing, and issue prioritization. The CPACC credential covers topics including disability models, assistive technologies, and web accessibility principles.

    • Sample: Accessibility Annotations

      This post discusses the importance of using annotations for accessibility in design handovers. It covers heading annotations, emphasizing their significance for screen reader users, and tab order annotations, illustrating the importance of indicating the focus order for keyboard and screen reader users. The examples provided demonstrate effective use of annotations for accessibility.

    • Accessibility User Stories

      The user compiled existing user stories into a neat table on Confluence, including type of disability, responsible party, and web component impacted. Examples include clarity for users with reading difficulties, link consistency for keyboard-only users, logical form order for screen reader users, and content accessibility for people with different disabilities and needs.

    • Zero (automatically detected) accessibility errors on RMIT University’s homepage

      I successfully delivered updates that eliminated accessibility errors on RMIT University’s homepage using the WAVE automated testing tool. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we identified and addressed simple coding oversights to enhance accessibility. Meticulous code reviews and best practices improved HTML use, image alt text, and ARIA labels, setting a new accessibility standard.

    • RMIT’s Design System Updates

      We upgraded from AEM 6.1 to AEM 6.5, implementing a new design system with enhanced accessibility. Collaborating with UX and development teams, I ensured components met WCAG standards and made specific improvements to program pages banner, modal dialogs, tables, and focus indicators. This involved addressing contrast, keyboard interaction, ARIA attributes, and visual styles.

    • RMIT Accessible Design Framework

      I developed the Accessible Design Framework for RMIT University, aimed at embedding digital accessibility across the entire product lifecycle. The framework offers actionable tips tailored for UX designers, web developers, and content authors, ensuring that accessibility is considered at every stage of digital product development. It includes best practices for various roles involved in digital…

    • Case study: accessibility in videogames for people who are blind

      This is an example of end-to-end user experience research using echolocation to make virtual spaces more inclusive for people with visual impairments. The study involved interviews, a feasibility study, usability testing, and a participatory design exercise. Results showed that simulating echolocation in virtual spaces is possible, with potential for improving accessibility in video games.

    • Case Study: Melbourne Festival 2016

      The Melbourne Festival is a major cultural event showcasing arts like theatre, dance, music, and film. In 2016, the focus was on local composers. A project was proposed to create an interactive experience for visitors to explore the University of Melbourne’s campus and learn about Percy Grainger. Personas, a rich picture, and prototypes were used…