Latest news with #WebContentAccessibilityGuidelines
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
PFRDA launches new website to enhance digital engagement
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Aug 4 (PTI) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on Monday launched its new and revamped website under the project PFRDA CONNECT initiative. It was launched by PFRDA Chairperson S Ramann, the pension fund regulator said in a statement. This aligns with PFRDA's vision of promoting transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in pension sector governance through cutting-edge technology, it said. The new website has been designed and developed in accordance with Government of India's guidelines and is fully compliant with GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness for all stakeholders, it said. The upgraded website offers an enhanced user experience, enriched content structure, intuitive navigation, and improved functionality for ease of access by subscribers, intermediaries, and the public, it said. PTI DP TRB view comments First Published: August 04, 2025, 22:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
GPT AI Corporation, Inc. Declares "Websites are a thing of the past" with Launch of EdGPT.ai Platform for Educational Institutions
Buena Park, CA July 29, 2025 --( )-- Educational institutions from preschools to universities adopt AI-powered communication platform that eliminates traditional website barriers, GPT AI Corporation, Inc. today announced the launch of an advanced conversational AI platform specifically designed for educational institutions, while declaring that 'websites are a thing of the past' based on comprehensive research showing widespread website accessibility failures. The announcement comes as the 2025 WebAIM Million study reveals that 94.8% of the top one million websites contain accessibility barriers, with educational institutions particularly affected by communication challenges that traditional websites fail to address. Research Validates Website Communication Crisis According to the WebAIM Million 2025 report, which analyzed the top 1,000,000 websites globally, 94.8% of home pages had detected Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) failures. The study found 50,960,288 distinct accessibility errors across the analyzed websites, averaging 51 errors per page. 'The data clearly shows that traditional websites systematically fail users,' said Aftab Jiwani, Founder of GPT AI Corporation, Inc. 'When 94.8% of websites contain accessibility barriers and users encounter errors on 1 in every 24 website elements, it's evident that websites are a thing of the past.' The WebAIM research indicates that users with disabilities encounter accessibility errors on 4.1% of all home page elements, creating significant barriers to information access. The most common failures include low contrast text affecting 79.1% of pages, missing alternative text for images on 55.5% of pages, and missing form input labels on 48.2% of pages. Educational Sector Faces Unique Communication Challenges Educational institutions experience particular communication difficulties, with administrative staff spending 15-20 hours weekly answering repetitive questions about schedules, policies, and procedures that should be accessible through digital channels. Research indicates that 73% of parents will not return to a school website after experiencing poor usability. The communication gap becomes more pronounced during non-business hours, with 68% of school information requests going unanswered for over 24 hours, leaving families frustrated and disconnected from essential school information. Platform Addresses Educational Communication Needs The platform serves educational institutions across all levels, from preschools through higher education, including both public and private sectors. The platform replaces traditional website navigation with conversational AI that provides instant, accessible responses to common inquiries. Early implementation results demonstrate measurable improvements in educational communication efficiency. Initial school users report a 65% reduction in administrative phone calls and a 75% improvement in prospective family engagement. The platform provides 24/7 accessibility, addressing the communication gaps that occur when school offices are closed. Comprehensive Educational Spectrum Coverage The platform addresses specific communication needs across different educational levels: Preschool and early childhood centers utilize the technology to handle parent inquiries about daily schedules, pickup procedures, meal programs, and developmental policies without requiring staff intervention for routine questions. Elementary schools implement the platform to address homework policies, lunch menus, after-school programs, and classroom procedures, reducing the administrative burden on school staff while improving parent access to information. Middle schools leverage the technology for complex scheduling questions, extracurricular activities, and academic policies as students transition to more independent learning environments. High schools utilize the platform for graduation requirements, college preparation information, athletic eligibility, and career planning guidance, reducing pressure on guidance counselors while providing immediate student and parent support. Higher education institutions, including community colleges, universities, and graduate schools, implement the technology to address admissions requirements, financial aid information, course catalogs, campus services, and academic policies for prospective students, current students, parents, and faculty. Technology Addresses Website Accessibility Failures The platform utilizes Generative Pre-trained Transformer technology specifically configured for educational communication. Unlike traditional websites that present static information through complex navigation structures, the conversational AI system understands educational context and provides personalized responses based on user needs. The technology directly addresses the accessibility failures identified in the WebAIM Million 2025 study by providing 100% accessible interfaces that eliminate navigation requirements and offer unlimited personalization capabilities. This approach removes the barriers that affect 94.8% of traditional websites. Implementation Results Demonstrate Effectiveness Educational institutions implementing the platform report significant operational improvements: Administrative efficiency increases through an 80% reduction in repetitive staff inquiries, allowing educational professionals to focus on direct student support rather than answering routine questions. Parent engagement improves with 24/7 instant support capabilities, enabling families to access information about schedules, policies, events, and procedures regardless of office hours. Communication accessibility reaches 100% compliance, eliminating the barriers that affect nearly 95% of traditional websites according to the WebAIM research. Response time improvements provide immediate answers to replace the 24-48 hour email response delays common in educational settings. Privacy and Security Compliance The platform maintains educational privacy standards by utilizing only publicly available information from school websites and approved materials. The system complies with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements while providing comprehensive communication capabilities without compromising student privacy. Implementation Process Designed for Educational Environments Educational institutions can implement the platform through a streamlined process that recognizes the unique operational requirements of schools. The setup involves entering the current school website URL, allowing to automatically gather necessary information. Additional school data, including handbooks, calendars, policies, and staff directories, can be uploaded to the knowledge base, enabling the school's conversational AI site to become operational within minutes. Risk-Free Evaluation for Educational Institutions GPT AI Corporation, Inc. offers educational institutions free trial periods specifically designed for school evaluation cycles. This approach allows administrators to assess the platform's effectiveness before making financial commitments, reducing barriers to adoption while demonstrating the advantages of conversational AI over traditional website communication. Market Impact on Educational Communication The launch represents a comprehensive approach to addressing educational website communication failures. By targeting the specific needs of educational institutions across all levels and sectors, the platform demonstrates that website accessibility and usability problems span the entire educational spectrum. The platform's focus on educational communication recognizes that schools have unique requirements that generic website solutions cannot adequately address. Each educational level faces distinct communication challenges that require specialized approaches while maintaining the conversational intelligence that eliminates traditional website barriers. About GPT AI Corporation, Inc. GPT AI Corporation, Inc. specializes in developing conversational AI platforms designed for specific industry sectors. The company operates multiple vertical-specific solutions including for educational institutions, for legal services, for accounting practices, for tax preparation services, for business transaction facilitation, and for general business applications. Each platform addresses unique communication challenges faced by its respective industry while providing the conversational intelligence that makes traditional websites obsolete across all sectors. Availability and Access Educational institutions interested in moving beyond traditional website limitations can access the platform at The platform demonstrates how conversational AI technology eliminates communication barriers while building stronger educational communities. Media Contact: Janet Cardines GPT AI Corporation, Inc. Media Relations Website: Email: [email protected] Contact Information: GPT AI Corporation Janet Cardines 650-399-9727 Contact via Email Read the full story here: GPT AI Corporation, Inc. Declares 'Websites are a thing of the past' with Launch of Platform for Educational Institutions Press Release Distributed by
Time Business News
24-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
How to Make Your Website Feel Human: The Art of Digital Empathy
People crave connection, even online. When users land on your site, they want more than information. They want to feel understood, valued, and heard. They want a seamless, welcoming experience that feels tailored just for them. But here's the problem: too many websites feel cold, robotic, and forgettable. They talk at users, not with them. The solution? Inject empathy into your web design and content strategy. Empathy bridges the gap between technology and humanity. It transforms websites from faceless tools into engaging experiences. It makes users feel seen, heard and understood. Let's explore how to create that connection through digital empathy. Ever bounced off a website within seconds? You're not alone. According to a study by the Nielsen Norman Group, users typically leave a webpage within 10 to 20 seconds if they don't feel engaged. That's brutal for any business or brand investing in a digital presence. So, what's driving this behaviour? Lack of emotional connection: Users don't feel like the site was designed for them, so they don't stick around. Users don't feel like the site was designed for them, so they don't stick around. Confusing layouts: They struggle to find what they're looking for, which leads to frustration. They struggle to find what they're looking for, which leads to frustration. Generic language: Everything sounds like it was written by a machine or someone who doesn't care. If you want visitors to stay, convert, and return, your website needs to feel human. Think about your own online habits. When was the last time you felt genuinely welcomed by a website? What made you stay? Understanding these moments can help you design a site that connects emotionally rather than just mechanically. Your design choices speak before your content does. They set the tone and shape user expectations. What story is your design telling? Empathy starts with inclusion. Can everyone use your site? Accessibility is often overlooked, but crucial. Websites that exclude people with disabilities risk alienating a large part of their audience and missing out on business opportunities. Here's what to consider: Use proper colour contrasts for visually impaired users. Text and background need to have enough difference to be readable, Ensure text is resizable without breaking layouts. Some users increase font size for comfort, Make navigation keyboard-friendly. Many users cannot use a mouse or prefer keyboards, Add descriptive alt text for images, so screen readers can convey meaning. Consider this: a 2023 WebAIM survey found that over 96% of homepages still have WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) failures. This means most websites are excluding people without even realising it. Do you know how accessible your site really is? Investing in accessibility is not just ethical, but smart business. Crowded designs overwhelm users. Too much information packed tightly leads to cognitive overload. White space, the empty space between elements, gives content room to breathe. It reduces cognitive load and increases readability. In fact, studies show that strategic use of white space between paragraphs and around margins can increase comprehension by up to 20%. Could your design benefit from breathing room? Less really can be more when it comes to layout. Humans are wired to respond to other humans. Eye-tracking studies show that users naturally focus on human faces before reading text. If your site currently shows only abstract graphics or stock images of random objects, ask yourself: Are you missing an opportunity to build a connection? Consider using authentic images of real people, team members, clients, or users, to create trust and familiarity. Now, let's talk words. Your copy isn't just delivering facts. It's having a conversation. Drop the corporate jargon. Speak naturally. Say this: 'We're here to help you build the website your business deserves.' Not this: 'Our solutions leverage cutting-edge methodologies for optimal online presence.' Tone matters. A conversational style lowers psychological distance between brand and user. Is your brand voice sounding like a person or like a corporate memo? What's keeping your audience up at night? Are they worried their site looks outdated, frustrated with low conversion rates or confused about SEO? A well-placed question in your copy can instantly signal that you understand their struggle. Example: 'Tired of visitors leaving your site without taking action? Let's fix that.' When users feel seen, they stay. People remember stories more than facts. Don't just list services. Tell stories. For example: 'Emma, a freelance photographer, was struggling to book clients. After her website redesign, her enquiries tripled within two months.' Real narratives beat feature lists every time. What client stories could you highlight? Sharing genuine success stories builds empathy and trust. Think about this: how many clicks does it take for a visitor to find what they need? If it's more than three, it's too many. Simplify your menu structure, keep navigation labels clear and descriptive, avoid cute names that confuse first-time visitors, and organise pages logically: Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Contact. Use breadcrumbs on larger sites to help users track where they are and easily move backwards. Remember, users expect fast, intuitive navigation. Don't make them guess or hunt. Guide users with clear next steps. Instead of generic buttons like 'Click Here,' use action-driven CTAs such as'Start Your Free Trial,''See Our Work,' 'Book a Free Consultation.' When users know exactly what to do next, conversion rates improve. Consider testing different CTA texts to find what resonates best with your audience. Design isn't just visual. It's emotional. Different colours evoke different feelings:Blue = Trust and calm,Red = Urgency and passion,Green = Growth and balance, Yellow = Optimism and energy. But context matters. For example, while red may create urgency on an e-commerce site, it might signal danger on a financial planning site. Are your colours reinforcing your brand mood? Think carefully about what emotions you want to evoke. Small animations, button hovers and loading spinners, these micro-moments show users that the site is responsive and alive. Examples include a heart icon that fills when liked and a progress bar during form submission. These subtle cues reduce friction and increase user satisfaction. They show attention to detail. Nobody likes errors. But you can turn frustration into delight with thoughtful error messaging. Instead of: '404 Error. Page not found.' Try: 'Oops! Looks like that page has wandered off. Let's help you get back.' Airbnb and Slack are great examples of brands using friendly, human error messages. Well-crafted error messages keep users calm and encourage them to stay. Empathy is emotional, but it's also about credibility. Include real customer testimonials with photos, case studies detailing results, Google or Trustpilot reviews and security badges (SSL, payment safety icons). According to BrightLocal, 77% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. What are your customers saying about you? Social proof is a powerful trust-builder. When publishing content, make it clear who's behind it. Include author bios, credentials and links to other expert articles. This aligns with Google's E-E-A-T framework and builds reader trust. Outdated blogs and broken links signal neglect. Keep your site fresh by updating old blog posts, refreshing stats and data and regularly publishing new insights. Does your content calendar need some love? Consistent updates show you care and maintain authority. Not all users want the same thing. Some are browsing, others are ready to buy. Use tools like Google Analytics or HubSpot to segment users based on location, behaviour, and source channel (organic search, social, paid ads). Then deliver tailored messages. Example: 'Welcome back! Ready to continue where you left off?' If you run an e-commerce site, suggest products based on browsing history. For service businesses, highlight relevant case studies. Personalisation reduces bounce rates and increases engagement. Empathy means respecting users' time and context. A Google study found that as page load time increases from 1 to 5 seconds, the probability of bounce increases by 90%. Run speed tests with Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom Tools. Optimise images, leverage browser caching, and minimise CSS and JavaScript. Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Make sure fonts are readable on small screens, buttons are finger-friendly, and load times remain under 3 seconds. When was the last time you checked your site on mobile? A poor mobile experience drives users away fast. Your blog isn't for you. It's for your audience. Ask yourself what questions your customers ask before buying, what their biggest frustrations are and what industry trends they are curious about. High-performing content types include how-to guides, checklists, FAQs, and comparison posts (e.g., 'WordPress vs Wix: Which One's Better for Small Businesses?'). Focus on content that earns backlinks, ranks well, and builds authority. Your call to action (CTA) is your website's emotional handshake. Make it warm and persuasive. Examples:'Let's build something great together.''Show me how to grow my business online.' 'I'm ready for better results.' According to Unbounce, emotionally charged CTAs can increase conversions by over 20% compared to generic buttons. Empathy isn't a one-time task. It's ongoing. Tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, and FullStory help you see how users behave: where they are clicking, where they are getting stuck, and if they are scrolling enough to see your CTA. Direct feedback works wonders. Simple on-site surveys like 'What brought you here today?' or 'Was this page helpful?' give you priceless user insights. Run A/B tests on headlines, button colours, CTA text and image choices. Never assume. Test and learn. Let's end with a challenge. Visit your homepage as if you're a first-time visitor. Ask yourself: Does this site feel welcoming? Is the language clear and friendly? Can I find what I need quickly? Does the site answer my biggest questions? Would I trust this brand with my money or time? If the answer's no or even 'I'm not sure,' it's time for a change. Your website should feel like a helpful friend, not a sales robot. At the end of the day, empathy wins online. If you're ready to build a website that connects, engages, and converts with heart, talk to the team at Design Vibe. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CI&T and Natura Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Make the Digital Environment More Inclusive and Efficient for up to 1.8 Million Consultants
SíO PAULO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following last month's Global Accessibility Awareness Day, CI&T (NYSE: CINT), a tech-business specialist, reinforced the role of AI as an ally of accessibility and celebrated its partnership with Natura, Brazil's largest multinational cosmetics company, in building a more inclusive digital environment for people with disabilities. Focusing on diversity and enhancing user experience, the initiative has positively impacted 1.8 million Natura and Avon Beauty Consultants, offering more intuitive, accessible journeys tailored to the varying navigation needs of these partners. Over 60 product, technology, and design experts from Natura and CI&T collaborated in the creation of an inclusive and lasting digital transformation, where it is possible to adapt and identify new needs over time. For CI&T, AI allows for the identification of less obvious barriers, real-time suggestions for improvements, and the automation of recurring checks on digital platforms. CI&T employees with disabilities directly participated in the creation and validation of interfaces. 'Involving individuals with disabilities in development is not just a matter of representation—it is what makes the initiative more practical and connected to the reality of its users. These experiences guide more empathetic and effective solutions. This is undoubtedly a great example of using artificial intelligence in favor of human needs,' says Cinthia Oliveira, global head of ESG at CI&T. The work has evolved based on three main fronts: technical diagnosis, active participation of people with disabilities, and continuous training of teams. On the technical side, tools like CI&T Flow, CI&T's proprietary GenAI platform, utilize AI to assess digital interfaces according to the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and broader A11Y best practices, Additionally, empathy workshops and training for leadership and design teams contribute to strengthening a more conscious and sensitive culture towards diversity. About CI&T CI&T (NYSE: CINT) is a global technology transformation specialist for 100+ large enterprises and fast growth clients. CI&T brings a 30-year track record of helping clients navigate change to deliver accelerated business impact, with deep expertise across AI, strategy, customer experience, software development, cloud services, data and more. CI&T's proprietary AI platform, CI&T FLOW boosts team productivity, ensuring fast, efficient, and scalable delivery of world-class solutions. Operating globally with over 7,400 professionals across 10 countries, CI&T delivers cutting-edge solutions to drive success for its clients.
Daily News Egypt
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's FRA issues new website and cybersecurity rules for insurance sector
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued new regulations establishing licensing, technical, and cybersecurity standards for the websites of all companies and individuals operating in the country's insurance sector. The new rules, outlined in Resolution No. (62) of 2025, mandate that private insurance funds with assets of EGP 10 million or more must establish an official website. The FRA will be the sole authority to issue licences for these websites, in accordance with the Unified Insurance Law No. 155 of 2024. Smaller funds and individuals working in the insurance sector will be permitted to create websites, provided they adhere to the same set of regulations. The measures are part of a broader framework outlined in the Unified Insurance Law. Article (3) of the law defines the insurance sector as comprising insurers, reinsurers, and related professions and activities. It also authorises the FRA's Board of Directors to licence other insurance services based on market demand, subject to established standards and capital requirements. Technical and Content Mandates Under the resolution, chaired by FRA Chairperson Mohamed Farid, all insurance sector websites must meet specific technical standards. These include having a responsive design for accessibility across mobile phones, tablets, and computers, as well as compatibility with all major internet browsers. Websites must also be user-friendly, provide easy access to information, and comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for users with disabilities. Arabic must be the primary language, with other languages optional. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) best practices must be implemented. Entities are required to publish essential information, including a company profile, their FRA-issued licence number, detailed descriptions of services, and clear contact information. The sites must also feature financial reports, periodic disclosures, and a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. The resolution requires all website content to be updated regularly to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with technical controls. Cybersecurity and Data Protection The regulations place a strong emphasis on information security, mandating a range of technical safeguards to protect user data. These include: The use of modern encryption protocols (SSL/TLS). The implementation of advanced security systems such as network firewalls, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). The use of anti-virus and anti-malware software (EPP/EDR). Entities must adhere to international standards, particularly ISO 27001 and NIST, and conduct annual penetration tests and regular software updates. Any security breach or cyberattack must be reported to the FRA immediately. Furthermore, all affected entities must comply with the Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018 and the Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020. This includes creating clear privacy policies, obtaining written consent from users before sharing their data with third parties, and providing a mechanism for users to request the modification or deletion of their data. The rules also require regular data backups for disaster recovery and the retention of system application logs for a minimum of five years. Outsourcing and Compliance The resolution permits the outsourcing of website design and development to data hosting providers that are officially registered with the FRA. However, the licensed entity must retain qualified technical staff to evaluate the quality and security of the outsourced work. An outsourcing plan approved by the board of directors is also required. The FRA said the measures are designed to regulate the creation of websites for private insurance funds and other entities in the sector. The authority stated the initiative is part of its strategy to modernise the industry's digital infrastructure, enhance digital transformation, and ensure compliance with governance, transparency, and data protection standards. All affected entities have a three-month grace period from the resolution's effective date to regularise their status. The FRA has committed to processing complete licence applications within 15 days of submission.
