5 Top tips for creating accessible eCommerce with AI
Robin Christopherson | 25 Feb 2025Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your eCommerce platform can significantly enhance accessibility, making your site more inclusive for all users.
On Tuesday 18th March 2025, at 3.15 PM ET (that’s 8.15 PM GMT), I will be speaking at accessibility.com's event on AI and digital accessibility, sharing insights on how AI can fuel accessible eCommerce. Here are five practical tips I’ll be sharing during the event to help you leverage AI for accessible eCommerce.
1. AI-Driven Accessibility Checkers
AI-driven accessibility checkers can help ensure your content is inclusive. Tools like Axe and Google's Lighthouse can identify accessibility issues and suggest improvements.
Automated testing, however, can only cover a limited number of accessibility issues.
Manual audits are essential for a comprehensive evaluation, as they can identify complex and context-specific accessibility issues that automated tools might miss. Including both automated and manual audits in your development and testing processes can significantly enhance your site's accessibility.
2. Implement AI-Powered Chatbots
AI-powered chatbots, like Ocado's "Herbie," can provide timely assistance to users. These chatbots can answer questions, guide users through the site, and offer support, making the shopping experience smoother and more accessible.
3. Utilise AI for Writing Accessible Code
Developers can use AI tools like GitHub Copilot to write accessible code. These tools can help ensure that your website's code is compliant with accessibility standards, making it easier for all users to navigate and interact with your site.
4. Avoid AI Accessibility Overlays
Be cautious of AI-driven accessibility overlays, which often degrade rather than improve accessibility. True accessibility requires thoughtful design and human-centred testing. Rely on comprehensive accessibility practices rather than quick fixes.
A good way to do this is by staying informed and engaged with the latest developments in accessibility. Regularly participate in AbilityNet’s accessibility and inclusion training sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, join accessibility-focused communities, attend relevant webinars, and keep up with the latest guidelines and standards. This proactive approach ensures that your accessibility practices are both effective and up to date.
5. Explore emerging ‘Agentic AI’
Agentic AI, or Large Action Models (LAMs), are being developed to help navigate and interact with websites on behalf of users. This technology, whilst not mature today, has the promise to make digital experiences more seamless, especially for disabled users. Keep an eye on the rapid improvements in Agentic AI and Consider how it may help to enhance your users’ experience.
Embracing AI can make your eCommerce site easier to develop, more inclusive, and user-friendly, benefiting everyone. By leveraging AI tools and prioritising accessibility, you can create a more inclusive eCommerce platform.
Speak to our experts
- AbilityNet is trusted by some of the biggest brands on the planet to deliver accessibility.
- Download our Digital Accessibility Services brochure for detailed information about each of the services we offer and to learn how we can support you.
- Or speak to our experts today.
