Overview

A state agency responsible for monitoring and analyzing market trends recently sought to update its Internet of Things (IoT) dashboard application. This platform was critical for collecting real-time data from various market sources and generating actionable insights. However, during the update process, the agency discovered several accessibility compliance gaps and usability challenges. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and efficiency for its diverse user base—including analysts, policymakers, and stakeholders—the agency enlisted our team to conduct an in-depth audit and implement design improvements. Our overarching goal was to achieve 100% accessibility compliance, boost task efficiency, and enhance overall user satisfaction.

Identifying the Challenges

Early in our engagement, we conducted stakeholder interviews and user research to identify the core issues affecting the IoT dashboard's performance. Users reported difficulty navigating certain sections due to unclear labeling, inconsistent layouts, and a lack of proper keyboard navigation support. Moreover, the color contrast did not meet standard accessibility guidelines, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to interpret data accurately. Another key finding was the complexity of the dashboard’s layout, which slowed down the completion of critical tasks such as filtering data, generating reports, and customizing visualizations.

Methodology and Approach

Our team began by reviewing existing documentation and performing a comprehensive accessibility audit, referencing Section 508 and WCAG standards to pinpoint compliance deficiencies. We also administered a baseline System Usability Scale (SUS) survey, which indicated that the dashboard’s usability score lagged behind industry benchmarks. After gathering insights from real users, we collaborated with the agency’s internal teams—IT specialists, data analysts, and compliance officers—to create a clear roadmap for improvement.

The first phase involved streamlining the dashboard’s architecture to prioritize high-value information and reduce cognitive load. We introduced consistent design patterns and intuitive icons to help users quickly locate and interpret data points. Next, we addressed color contrast issues by implementing a standardized color palette that adhered to accessibility best practices. We also revamped the labeling system to provide descriptive text for all interactive elements, ensuring compatibility with screen readers and keyboard-only navigation. Throughout the process, we ran iterative user tests to confirm that each modification effectively resolved the identified pain points.

Key Results and Metrics

Upon completion of our redesign and development efforts, the dashboard achieved a 100% accessibility compliance rating. This accomplishment not only satisfied regulatory requirements but also expanded the application’s usability to a broader audience, including users with disabilities. Task efficiency improved by 35%, as measured by time-on-task metrics, indicating that analysts could now navigate, filter, and generate reports significantly faster than before. Additionally, the updated dashboard received a 20-point boost in the SUS score, reflecting a marked improvement in user satisfaction and perceived ease of use.

“The audits ensured full compliance, improved usability, and increased satisfaction.”

—Agency Director.

This endorsement underscored the value of our user-centric methodology, rigorous testing, and close collaboration with internal teams.