How can Zip Co enhance its "Shop Everywhere" feature to make it more accessible for users with disabilities?

Introduction

To enhance Zip Co's "Shop Everywhere" feature for users with disabilities, we need to focus on accessibility, usability, and inclusivity. This improvement will not only benefit users with disabilities but also enhance the overall user experience for all customers. I'll outline a strategic approach to address this challenge, considering user needs, technical feasibility, and business impact.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at the product context, I'm thinking about the current accessibility features. Could you share what accessibility features, if any, are already implemented in the "Shop Everywhere" feature?

Why it matters: Determines our starting point and helps identify gaps. Expected answer: Basic screen reader support and some color contrast adjustments. Impact on approach: Would focus on expanding existing features and addressing overlooked areas.

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about the most common disabilities among our user base. Do we have data on the types of disabilities our users have and how they currently interact with the "Shop Everywhere" feature?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize specific accessibility improvements. Expected answer: Visual impairments are most common, followed by motor and cognitive disabilities. Impact on approach: Would tailor solutions to address the needs of these specific disability types.

• Regarding product lifecycle and company alignment, where does improving accessibility fit into Zip Co's overall strategy and goals? Are there any specific metrics or targets related to accessibility?

Why it matters: Ensures our improvements align with company objectives. Expected answer: Accessibility is a growing priority, aiming to increase user base by 15% among people with disabilities. Impact on approach: Would focus on high-impact, measurable improvements that contribute to this goal.

• Considering external factors, how does our current accessibility offering compare to our competitors? Are there any industry benchmarks or standards we're aiming to meet?

Why it matters: Helps position our improvements in the competitive landscape. Expected answer: We're slightly behind key competitors; aiming to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Impact on approach: Would prioritize features that quickly bring us up to par with competitors and industry standards.