Designing a Sound-Smart Salesforce Experience
Welcome back to the thrilling world of designing for diversity—yes, even the kinds of diversity you can’t see or hear. Today, in part 3 of our series, we’re diving into the auditory arena of app accessibility. If you’re just tuning in, you might want to catch up on our earlier discussions about vissight-ual and cognition-related design considerations. But enough recap, let’s make some noise (or rather, learn how to deal without it) in your Salesforce environment.
Who Are We Really Building For?
It’s time to turn down the volume and focus on users who might not hear your audio cues at all. Consider these groups:
- Individuals who are Deaf: Completely reliant on visual aids and text.
- Those who are hard of hearing: Might catch some sounds but miss others, especially if your app loves to whisper sweet nothings.
- People in noisy environments: Ever tried to use an app next to a construction site? Not fun.
- Workers with noisy coworkers: Yes, we all know someone whose voice carries like an opera singer.
- Victims of the dreaded leaf blowers: Is there a more terrifying sound when trying to concentrate?
What You Need to Know & How It Applies to Your Salesforce Setup
Understanding the challenges is one thing; designing solutions is where the real fun begins. Let’s break down how to make Salesforce not only usable but enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their hearing ability.
Alt Text
Every image should tell a story, literally. Alt text helps users who use screen readers understand what they can’t see. This is especially crucial for informative graphics. No alt text? That’s like a comic strip with the captions removed—not very helpful.
Clear Visual Signaling
Lights on stage aren’t just for show—they guide. Similarly, visual alerts (like wiggling icons) can signal new messages or updates.
Adjustable Audio Controls
Give users the ability to turn down, turn up, or turn off.
Detailed Captions and Transcripts
Every video or audio file within Salesforce should have captions. Not only is this a lifeline for those who are hard of hearing, but it’s also a blessing when someone’s trying to catch up on training videos in the midst of the aforementioned leaf blowers.
By focusing on these areas, you’re not just improving accessibility—you’re enhancing usability for everyone. Think of it as adding subtitles to your favorite foreign film; suddenly, you’re not just watching the action, you’re fully engaged with the dialogue.
So, grab your metaphorical toolkit and start making your Salesforce environment a haven of clarity and understanding. And remember, a quieter app might just be the peaceful revolution your users didn’t know they needed.
Stay tuned for part 4, where we’ll explore another facet of accessibility—because there’s always more to learn and improve. Until then, keep those captions coming and maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones. You’ll thank me later.
Your journey toward a sound-smart Salesforce experience is just beginning. Ready to make your Salesforce environment more accessible and enjoyable for everyone? Contact Red Argyle today, and let’s collaborate to create a digital space that resonates with all users.
