Summary of IMDb Accessibility Audit
I conducted an in-depth accessibility and UX audit of IMDb’s website using WCAG 2.2 Level AA guidelines. The goal was to assess how inclusive the platform is for users with disabilities and how its current design supports (or hinders) usability across different needs.
I used tools like WAVE, Stark, Google PageSpeed Insights, VoiceOver, and NVDA to evaluate contrast ratios, keyboard navigation, alt text usage, ARIA labeling, and screen reader compatibility.
Key Insights and UX Takeaways
What Worked Well
Strong keyboard accessibility and visual focus
Proper use of headings and labels
Clear color contrast supporting readability
Resize text and reflow support for responsive use
Areas for Improvement
Missing alt text on many visual elements
No audio descriptions or transcripts for video content
Some ARIA landmarks and labels were either missing or misused
Limited manual screen reader compatibility and feedback
Tools Used
WAVE, Stark, Google PageSpeed Insights, NVDA, VoiceOver, WCAG Evaluation Tools
Outcome
This audit helped uncover real-world accessibility barriers that could hinder a smooth and inclusive user experience for users with visual impairments or cognitive challenges. The findings led to actionable recommendations like:
Adding descriptive alt text
Improving ARIA implementation
Including transcripts and audio descriptions
Enhancing screen reader compatibility
Link to Full Audit Report
Conclusion
The IMDb Accessibility Audit highlights the platform’s strengths and areas for improvement based on WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance. While IMDb successfully meets contrast ratio, keyboard accessibility, and color usage standards, areas like video accessibility (missing transcripts and audio descriptions) and alt text for images require enhancements to ensure inclusivity. Moving forward, incorporating manual screen reader testing, improving ARIA implementation, and adding detailed transcripts for video content will significantly enhance the usability for visually impaired users. By addressing these gaps, IMDb can create a more accessible experience for all users, reinforcing its role as a truly inclusive entertainment platform.
Thank you :)
You can also read my other case study on Career Khoj (UX Research, Thematic Analysis, UI Design).
You can contact me at krishnakakade77@gmail.com
