User Experience for Event Registration

Making your events more accessible for blind & visually impaired people really isn’t as hard as you think. Here are my top tips. 1. Provide precise venue information. Include things like clear drop off and pick up point information, what the key features of the building are, a rough description of where the toilets are, describe where the reception desk is, and let us know in advance if you’ll need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan completed. Bonus points for using a service like Euan's Guide or AccessAble to provide specialist access information. 2. Provide as much event information as possible. Share all key details in advance, ideally by email in an accessible format. Include timings, speaker names, attendee names, a brief agenda, and any known accessibility considerations. It helps us plan travel, support, and energy levels and it also helps us know who’s attending so when we’re surprised with a “Hey Robbie!” we can narrow it down to who it might be. 3. Food information is key. It sounds simple, but make sure menus are firstly available, then accessible - even for buffets. Relying on a fellow attendee to tell me something “looks chickeney” gives me the absolute fear. Include dietary details in an electronic format we can read with a screen reader, and avoid handwritten or printed-only menus. Tell us how food will be served so we can prepare (for example, buffet vs plated service). 4. Ask about adjustments - don’t assume you’ll know what someone needs. Just ask the question when people register. Keep it open and inclusive, such as “Do you have any access requirements you’d like us to be aware of?” 5. Provide complimentary +1 places as an adjustment - if someone needs a guide, PA, or support worker to attend with them, they shouldn’t be charged double. It’s an inclusion basic that makes a big difference. 6. Finally, provide training to your staff and event volunteers. Organisations like The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and RNIB can help you here with things like sighted guide training. And most importantly - don’t wait until someone asks before you do this. It won’t help just blind people, it’ll help everyone. Think about this list - is there anything on here that genuine would help you as a sighted person? Build accessibility in from the start and everyone benefits. #DisabilityInclusion #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #Adjustments #DiversityAndInclusion #Content

Inclusive form design isn’t a luxury, it's a civil right. Most registration processes are forms based. Without accessible forms, people who use assistive technology can't get through the door. When we talk about submit buttons, the choice to make them active all the time isn’t about “just making things easier” — it’s about removing real accessibility barriers. An active submit button means users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation can always finish what they started. But most designers/UX folks talk about submit vs in-line field validation as an "or." I propose we look at them as an "and." Just like the little girl in the meme says, "why not both?" If you have an active submit button and ALSO add in-line validation, which flags issues as they arise, you are creating an experience that sets the standard for a best practice. You aren't just following the guidelines to achieve compliance, you are making sure that people with disabilities have the best chance of becoming customers as anyone else. Real-time feedback reduces stress for those who may struggle to go back and forth in a form, helping everyone complete it without hassle. Active submit combined with user-friendly error message means users don't get stuck looking through a long form trying to figure out which required field they missed. Companies like #Amazon have it right — they combine both. When we prioritize both an always-active button and in-line validation, we’re making digital spaces accessible, user-centered, and, most importantly, equitable. Alt: first image is a female child seated in an office with the caption: "Submit Button always active" on the left side and "in-line field validation" on the right side. Beneath it is a question: "why don't we have both? " second image shows group of persons lifting the female child up in celebration. #AccessibilityMemeMonday #InclusiveDesign #AccessibleForms #DigitalEquity #Disability #Inclusion #UserCenteredAccessibility https://lnkd.in/ecX_YG93

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day everyone! It's a great day to remind people, that, accessibility is the responsibility of the whole team, including designers! A couple of things designers can do: - Use sufficient color contrast (text + UI elements) and don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning. - Ensure readable typography: support text resizing, avoid hard-to-read styles, maintain hierarchy. - Make links and buttons clear and distinguishable (label, size, states). - Design accessible forms: clear labels, error help, no duplicate input, document states. - Support keyboard navigation: tab order, skip links, focus indicators, keyboard interaction. - Structure content with headings and landmarks: use proper H1–Hn, semantic order, regions. - Provide text alternatives for images, icons, audio, and video. - Avoid motion triggers: respect reduced motion settings, allow pause on auto-play. - Design with flexibility: support orientation change, allow text selection, avoid fixed-height elements. - Document accessibly and communicate: annotate designs, collaborate with devs, QA, and content teams. Need to learn more? I got a couple of resources on my blog: - A Designer’s Guide to Documenting Accessibility & User Interactions: https://lnkd.in/eUh8Jvvn - How to check and document design accessibility in your mockups: a conference on how to use Figma plugins and annotation kits to shift accessibility left https://lnkd.in/eu8YuWyF - Accessibility for designer: where do I start? Articles, resources, checklists, tools, plugins, and books to design accessible products https://lnkd.in/ejeC_QpH - Neurodiversity and UX: Essential Resources for Cognitive Accessibility, Guidelines to understand and design for Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD https://lnkd.in/efXaRwgF - Color accessibility: tools and resources to help you design inclusive products https://lnkd.in/dRrwFJ5 #Accessibility #ShiftLeft #GAAD

How Do We Ensure Every Participant's Journey Starts on the Right Note? 🎶 We often focus on the main event experience, but how many of us have paused to consider the very first touchpoint - the registration process? A truly inclusive event starts the moment someone considers attending. Here are a few strategies to ensure our registration processes pave the way for comprehensive inclusivity: 1. Accessible Platforms: Ensure your registration website/platform is ADA compliant and mobile-friendly, catering to diverse digital proficiencies. 2. Diverse Imagery: Use graphics and visuals that reflect a myriad of ethnicities, abilities, genders, and ages, signaling a welcoming environment for everyone. 3. Clear Communication: Offer language options or, at the very least, ensure clarity in your information. Avoid jargon. 4. Payment Flexibility: Consider various payment methods, possible installments, or even sponsorship options for those needing financial assistance. 5. Inclusive Accommodations Check: No, not sleeping rooms, but incorporate an option where attendees can specify any special requirements or accommodations they might need, be it related to physical accessibility, dietary needs, visual, hearing, or otherwise. The way we welcome our participants sets the tone for the entire event. Let's ensure we're rolling out the red carpet for everyone, right from the start! ✨ How do you prioritize inclusivity during your event registration? Share your strategies or experiences below, and let's pave the way for even more inclusive beginnings! #FirstImpressionsMatter #InclusiveEventRegistration 🌟🤝

Inclusive UX isn’t always about big builds. Sometimes, it’s a few small tweaks that quietly improve the experience for everyone. Over the years, I’ve learned that accessibility isn’t some separate track. It’s in the everyday decisions: → Persistent labels (not just placeholders) → Clear, left-aligned text → Generous touch targets → Skip links, semantic headings, zoom support → Supporting “reduce motion” settings These things don’t take much—but they go a long way. And honestly? Most of us have relied on these features at some point: • Captions when watching a video in public • Voice-to-text while multitasking • High contrast on a sunny screen It’s not just “accessibility.” It’s thoughtful UX. So I put together 20+ low-lift, high-impact ways to make your designs more inclusive—without slowing your team down. If your product team wants better UX for more people, this is a good place to start. What’s been your favorite UX tweak that brings more accessibility to your projects? (Comment “PDF” if you'd like me to send you this file.) #uxdesign #inclusiveux #accessibility #a11y #productdesign #uxstrategy #designcraft ⸻ 👋 Hi, I’m Dane—I love sharing design insights. ❤️ Found this helpful? 'Like’ it to support me. 🔄 Share to help others (& save for later). ➕ Follow me for more like this, posted daily.

I attended Transform last week and it was far and away the most inclusive large conference I've attended. And yet there was still room for improvement, as there always will be as we aim to fully include everyone! I thought why not share some best practices on inclusive conferences and events for anyone who may be organizing them now or in the future. 〰 Ask for pronouns in the registration process and include them on name badges. Either only provide a space for write-in or provide diverse options like he/him, she/her, they/them, she/they, he/they, they/she, they/he, they/he/she, ze/hir, and xe/xem. For the write-in option, be sure to use language like ‘Self-identify:’ instead of ‘Other:’ which can be, well, othering. 〰 Provide space to request accommodations during the registration process. Some folks may need ASL interpretation, have allergies, be sensitive to strobe lights, need reserved seating, or many other accommodations. 〰 Choose a venue that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. Provide clear and legible signage to assist attendees in navigating the space and accessibility guides to support specific needs. 〰 Provide at least some (ideally all) all-gender restrooms. If your venue doesn’t provide these already, consider designating single use/family restrooms as all-gender and just make it clear using your own signage. Another option is to cover gendered restroom signs with signage that describes the layout (i.e. ‘Restroom with stalls’ and ‘Restrooms with urinals and stalls’) if your venue will allow it. 〰 Ensure diversity and representation in speakers, panelists, moderators, and presenters. Aim for a range of identities, perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to reflect the diversity of your audience. Be sure this applies to all roles equally, not just moderators or emcees which can lead to tokenism. 〰 Create a neurodivergent-friendly environment by offering quiet spaces, providing sensory-friendly materials, and minimizing loud noises and bright lights. If you want to go above and beyond, provide fidget toys! 〰 Establish community guidelines or a code of conduct that outlines expectations for respectful behavior and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior based on identity or background. Share these guidelines before the conference and then do a quick review at the kickoff session. Enforce these guidelines consistently throughout the conference and ensure there are options for safe reporting. 〰 Provide a nursing room for breastfeeding individuals. Call it a ‘nursing room’ instead of a ‘mother’s room’ as not all mothers breastfeed and not all breastfeeding individuals are mothers. 〰 Provide various Q&A options, including traditional mic setup, QR codes, and text codes for accessibility. I'm running out of space, so continued in the comments! But would love to know, what else would you add?

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 ♿ Forms are critical for UX — but also one of the most common accessibility pitfalls. Here’s how to make them better: 1️⃣𝐔𝐬𝐞 <𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥> 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 🔹Always associate labels with inputs (htmlFor in React). ✅ Helps screen readers announce input purpose. 2️⃣𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 🔹Don’t just show red borders. ✅ Add descriptive text (aria-describedby) for errors. 3️⃣𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🔹Ensure Tab order flows logically. ✅ Every field should be reachable without a mouse. 4️⃣𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 🔹<input type="email" /> 🔹<input type="date" /> ✅ Mobile devices show optimized keyboards. 5️⃣𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 🔹Add icons, text, or ARIA attributes. ✅ Helps color-blind users understand status. 💡𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 Accessible forms → better UX for everyone, not just for people with disabilities. It’s good design, not extra work. #React #Accessibility #Frontend #WebDevelopment #UX #InclusiveDesign #ReactJS #JavaScript #Fullstack #A11y #BestPractices #WebDevTips

#ProTip for Event Planners 💡 Before allocating budget and resources toward accessibility features, take the time to truly understand the needs of your guests with disabilities. For example, if a guest is Blind or has low vision, don’t assume they’ll need materials translated into Braille. Did you know only 11% of the Blind community uses Braille? Many people with vision disabilities rely on assistive technologies instead. Similarly, not all deaf or hard-of-hearing hearing guests know sign language—some may require captioning or front-row seating instead of interpreters. The best way to ensure your efforts are impactful? Just ask! Include a question in your registration form for attendees to request accommodations specific to their needs. This approach saves time, resources, and ensures your event is truly accessible. At Dreamforce, we opened the question of accommodation needs to over 40,000 attendees. With hard work, dedication, and compassion, we successfully met 99.2% of accommodation requests, creating one of the most accessible events in the world—not just in the tech industry. Opening this dialogue with your attendees gives you invaluable insights into their needs, enabling you to design a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for people with disabilities. ✨ Salesforce is dedicated to leading with intention in accessibility and disability inclusion, and I'm so proud to be a part of the journey. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleEvents #EventPlanning #EventManagement #DisabilityAwareness #EventProfs #BestPractices

Talk about idea validation! Yesterday, I attended a talk by Katy Raines where she and a colleague *proved* the need for a platform like Eventably. During their presentation, they discussed some research they had done on accessibility and events. 1. Accessibility Isn’t Niche – It’s Mainstream 56% of respondents identified as disabled or having a long-term health condition. Over 25% of non-disabled visitors still use access features like step-free access, captions, or quiet spaces. Takeaway: Accessibility features aren't just for a minority—they benefit a majority of attendees and improve experiences for all. 2. Clear, Accessible Information = Higher Attendance 75% of disabled people always research accessibility before attending an event. But 71% struggle to find key information—especially on websites. The Eventably platform makes accessibility info easy to find and built-in, reducing barriers to participation. We provide the ability for event organizers and venues to disclose accessibility information in ways that no_other_platform_does. 3. Poor Booking Experiences Drive People Away Disabled visitors are 9x more likely to struggle with online booking. 91% of disabled users cannot fully communicate their access needs during the booking process. Eventably is built with accessibility as a first class concern, not an afterthought like current platforms which, at best, play lip service to accessibility. 4. Confidence Drives Attendance — and Accessibility Builds Confidence 39% of disabled visitors lack confidence their needs will be met, and 38% have missed events due to this uncertainty. Confidence is especially low among younger audiences under 35, who represent the future of event participation. Eventably can enable organizers to add virtual tours, venue photos, and customizable access notes to build attendee confidence pre-event. 5. Accessible Venues See Higher Participation The biggest reported barriers to attendance: Unavailable accessible seating (52%) Transport or physical access issues (39%) Lack of confidence needs will be met (38%) Events that actively remove these barriers can unlock untapped market segments. 6. Tech Can Be a Great Equalizer — If Done Right Disabled visitors use mobile ordering (33%) and QR codes (41%) more than non-disabled visitors. But 24% still face barriers due to poor tech design or lack of support. Eventably’s mission: Provide accessible, inclusive tech that empowers independence, speed, and choice, especially in crowd-heavy environments. 7. Inclusion ≠ One-Size-Fits-All People seek different accommodations: captions, relaxed performances, visual stories, sunflower lanyards, priority passes, etc. Eventably can help organizers customize offerings, letting attendees opt into the access features that match their needs. https://lnkd.in/epUhyatj