Latest news with #WCAG
Business Wire
18 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Euna Solutions Launches PayCenter to Modernize Government Payment Collection and Boost On-Time Revenue
ATLANTA & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Euna Solutions®, a leading provider of purpose-built, cloud-based solutions for the public sector, today announced the launch of PayCenter, the latest enhancement to its Euna Payments platform. PayCenter is an open-access online payment portal designed specifically to help cities and counties streamline payment collection, increase digital adoption, and improve cash flow without taxing internal IT teams. "We've included the PayCenter feature within Euna Payments to offer a modern, unified online payment experience without the need to completely overhaul existing systems." said Mykola Konrad, Chief Product Officer at Euna Solutions. Share PayCenter enables agencies to offer a centralized, user-friendly online payment experience that is easy to implement, accessible without a login, and fully branded to reflect each agency's identity. Residents can quickly and easily make payments for a variety of departments and services, from permits to dog licenses, while staff benefit from real-time reporting, seamless integrations, and reduced operational overhead. "We've included the PayCenter feature within Euna Payments to offer a modern, unified online payment experience without the need to completely overhaul existing systems or build from scratch," said Mykola Konrad, Chief Product Officer at Euna Solutions. "With PayCenter, governments can launch a fully branded, secure and accessible portal, have it seamlessly integrate with their existing systems, and start seeing the benefits of improved revenue collection right away." PayCenter bridges the gap between siloed systems and resident-friendly technology. Key features include: Easy-to-use interface: Residents enjoy a modern, intuitive experience to make payments across all departments, reducing support calls and increasing the use of online payment services. PCI-DSS Level 1 and ADA (WCAG AA) compliant: Agencies can securely process payments and meet accessibility standards without the burden of managing ongoing compliance or security updates. No-login required access: Residents can pay from any device, at any time, without account setup, increasing payment collection rates Implementation that adapts to agencies' needs: Departments can sync to an existing checkout or launch a complete Euna-built experience, maintaining what works while expanding access. Agency-wide payment reporting: Departments' payment collection data is available in one back-end reporting tool, Revenue Management, making it easier to make data-driven decisions. Built-in integration with Euna Wallet: Enables one-time and recurring payments via a login-based portal, helping to reduce delinquency rates. Seamless integrations: Works with systems like Accela, Harris, and Passport without disrupting existing workflows. Agency Branded: Provide an experience that constituents will trust with complete agency branding, including logos and leveraging the existing URL domain. PayCenter is included within Euna Payments' complete, end-to-end Online Payments experience. For more information visit About Euna Solutions Euna Solutions® is a leading provider of purpose-built, cloud-based software that helps public sector and government organizations streamline procurement, budgeting, payments, grants management, and special education administration. Designed to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and compliance, Euna Solutions supports more than 3,400 organizations across North America in building trust, enabling transparency, and driving community impact. Recognized on Government Technology's GovTech 100 list, Euna Solutions is committed to advancing public sector progress through innovative SaaS solutions. To learn more, visit
Time Business News
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
ADA-Compliant Web Design Checklist for Local Businesses
Imagine walking into a store only to find that the door is too narrow for a wheelchair, or the signs are too small to read. That's how many people with disabilities experience websites every day. For local businesses, having an ADA-compliant website isn't just about avoiding legal trouble—it's about creating an inclusive digital space where all customers feel welcome. 'Accessibility should be baked into every digital project from day one—not added later as an afterthought,' said a spokesperson from Overdrive Digital Marketing. 'When your site works for everyone, your business grows more sustainably and ethically.' Here's a practical checklist to help ensure your website meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and delivers a better experience for everyone. 1. Provide Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content Every image, video, and infographic should have alt text or captions describing what's happening. Screen readers rely on this information to narrate visual content to users with vision impairments. Tip: Write alt text that conveys meaning. For example, 'Close-up of barista making latte art' is better than 'Image.' 2. Make Your Site Keyboard-Friendly Some users navigate entirely with keyboards. That means your menus, links, and forms should all be accessible using only the tab, enter, and arrow keys. Test It: Try navigating your website without a mouse. If you get stuck, users will too. 3. Use Sufficient Color Contrast Ensure that text stands out clearly against background colors. Poor contrast can make content unreadable for users with low vision or color blindness. Pro Tip: Use a contrast checker tool to confirm your site meets WCAG guidelines (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text). 4. Include Descriptive Link Text Links labeled 'click here' or 'read more' aren't helpful to screen readers. Instead, use descriptive phrases like 'View our menu' or 'Download our pricing guide.' 5. Ensure Forms Are Accessible All form fields should have clear labels, error messages should be easy to understand, and users should be able to submit forms without using a mouse. Bonus: Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels to give additional context to screen readers. 6. Use Headings to Organize Content Properly structured headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) not only improve SEO but also help users who rely on screen readers to quickly scan and navigate your content. 7. Make Multimedia Content Accessible Videos should include captions, and audio content should have a transcript. This ensures people with hearing impairments can access the information. 8. Provide a Skip Navigation Link A 'skip to content' link at the top of your page allows keyboard users to bypass repetitive navigation and jump straight to the main content. 9. Avoid Content That Flashes or Blinks Flashing content can trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. If you must use animations, ensure they are subtle and can be paused or stopped. 10. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits Websites change frequently. Use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse to audit your site and fix issues before they affect users. Why It Matters for Local Businesses An ADA-compliant website can help you: Avoid potential lawsuits and fines Reach more customers, including the 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. with a disability Improve your SEO rankings and user satisfaction TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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
Techday NZ
24-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Granicus launches Engagement Cloud to boost public sector trust
Granicus has launched its Engagement Cloud offering for government agencies and organisations in Australia and New Zealand. The Engagement Cloud platform combines personalised communication tools, real-time data insights, accessible feedback mechanisms, and strategic support designed to enhance relationships between governments and their communities. The solution aims to assist public sector organisations in streamlining operations, delivering secure services, and building community trust. Features and capabilities Engagement Cloud provides a unified environment for running communication campaigns across multiple channels, such as email, web, and social media. The platform includes built-in deliverability and scheduling tools, supports targeting capabilities, and ensures that communications comply with accessibility and data sovereignty standards in line with local requirements. Engagement Cloud conforms to WCAG 2.2 AA standards and is designed to meet Australian data handling obligations. The platform enables data collection and analysis for improved resident engagement. By unifying various data points, it allows agencies to understand residents' interactions and preferences, facilitating consistent, personalised engagement across all touchpoints. Granicus Experience Services, included with every Engagement Cloud subscription, provides public sector expertise to assist with onboarding, strategic planning, user journey design, and ongoing training for agency staff. This support is intended to enable organisations to improve their digital maturity without the need for additional hiring. Quotes from leadership "Engagement Cloud is a powerful enabler for Australian government agencies striving to meet the ambitions of the national digital strategy. By fostering genuine engagement, streamlining operations, and providing actionable insights, it helps public sector organisations deliver simple, secure, and connected services that build trust and empower communities" said Francois Rizk, Director of Growth, ANZ. Rizk also highlighted the pressures faced by local governments in the region, noting the importance of reliable support and adaptable digital solutions. "Local governments are under growing pressure to deliver better digital experiences and improve community engagement. Having a trusted partner by their side is critical. From high-growth inner-city councils navigating changing populations and growing service demands, to rural and regional community leaders grappling with unprecedented natural disasters, Granicus serves as a trusted strategic partner to almost 60 per cent of local government in ANZ". Operational impact Engagement Cloud introduces features such as multi-channel messaging with high deliverability rates, real-time tracking and trend analysis, consent-based data profiling, and integrated feedback tools. The platform aims to replace standalone or incompatible communication and survey tools by providing an all-in-one solution. Organisations using the platform report improved outcomes and operational efficiencies. According to data referenced in the launch, Engagement Cloud has resulted in a 40% increase in targeted audience completion rates, a 90% reduction in the cost to engage per individual, and a tenfold rise in participation rates. In addition, local council partners using the platform have reported saving up to 20 hours per month compared to previous legacy processes. The solution can function as a standalone service or be integrated with other Granicus products and third-party systems, enabling flexibility for various government requirements. Sector context Public sector organisations in Australia and New Zealand are adapting to increased demands for digital service delivery and transparency. These pressures have intensified with rapid urban population changes and the need for disaster response in rural and regional areas. Platforms like Engagement Cloud seek to respond to these needs by enabling ongoing, personalised communication and data-driven interaction rather than one-off consultations. Granicus reports that nearly 60% of local governments in the Australia and New Zealand region utilise its services, reflecting established presence and partnerships with municipal bodies. The company states that it aims to support the public sector's transition to enhanced digital engagement and more responsive service delivery.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LambdaTest Unveils Groundbreaking Mobile Accessibility Testing Capabilities for Android and iOS
New suite of manual and automated tools empowers QA teams to ensure digital inclusivity across platforms San Francisco, CA, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LambdaTest, a unified agentic AI and cloud engineering platform, announces the launch of its most comprehensive mobile accessibility testing capabilities to date. With new features that support both manual and automated accessibility testing on Android and iOS, LambdaTest is redefining how teams validate digital inclusivity across the mobile landscape. As mobile applications continue to play a central role in commerce, communication, and productivity, meeting accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) has become essential. LambdaTest's new capabilities empower QA, development, and product teams to identify, resolve, and prevent accessibility issues at every stage of the mobile app development lifecycle. The release introduces three powerful additions to the LambdaTest platform. First, the Android Accessibility Scanner for Manual Testing provides real-time issue detection directly within the manual testing environment on real devices. Second, Android Accessibility Automation Testing brings scalable, automated WCAG compliance checks into the CI/CD pipeline using Appium and HyperExecute. Finally, iOS Accessibility Automation Testing enables the same robust, cross-platform validation for Apple devices, ensuring consistency across Android and iOS ecosystems. 'Accessibility should never be an afterthought; it is a cornerstone of exceptional mobile experiences,' said Asad Khan, Co-Founder & CEO of LambdaTest. 'With these new capabilities, we're giving teams the tools they need to deliver inclusive apps faster and more efficiently. Whether you're manually testing on a real Android device or running automated tests across a fleet of iOS devices, accessibility testing is now deeply integrated, scalable, and incredibly easy to adopt.' These innovations not only streamline testing workflows but also position LambdaTest users to deliver apps that meet the needs of over 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities. By building accessibility into mobile testing from the outset, teams can unlock new markets, mitigate compliance risks, and boost user satisfaction. To learn more about Mobile Accessibility Testing, please visit About LambdaTestLambdaTest is an AI-native, omnichannel software quality platform that empowers businesses to accelerate time to market through intelligent, cloud-based test authoring, orchestration, and execution. With over 15,000 customers and 2.3 million+ users across 130+ countries, LambdaTest is the trusted choice for modern software testing.● Browser & App Testing Cloud: Enables manual and automated testing of web and mobile apps across 10,000+ browsers, real devices, and OS environments, ensuring cross-platform consistency.● HyperExecute: An AI-native test execution and orchestration cloud that runs tests up to 70% faster than traditional grids, offering smart test distribution, automatic retries, real-time logs, and seamless CI/CD integration. ● KaneAI: The world's first GenAI-native testing agent, leveraging LLMs for effortless test creation, intelligent automation, and self-evolving test execution. It integrates directly with Jira, Slack, GitHub, and other DevOps tools. For more information, please visit CONTACT: press@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
