Do you think a purely automated accessibility check is enough? Then you are overlooking the really tricky problems. Because while automated scans can uncover basic accessibility problems, they quickly reach their limits when it comes to complex UX issues.
Only human testers with their methodology, intuition and experience and equipped with the appropriate specialist knowledge can identify the stumbling blocks that determine the weal and woe of the user experience.
Tools inherently cover standards; human expertise puts your accessibility testing on the right track, because: Just because a tool gives you a high score in the accessibility category does not mean that your web application meets minimum legal standards.
We show you how to combine the best of both worlds, how to intelligently link automated scans and manual tests in order to efficiently determine the correct current status or support development .
A manual accessibility test checks websites, apps or digital products through direct interaction and evaluates the system behavior. This process requires a team of technical experts who actively use the product. This includes the use of assistive technologies, keyboard navigation and other methods to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Quality criteria such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and a look at the legal requirements such as the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) as the German implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) are also necessary. You can read more about this here.
Test automation tools for accessibility tests automatically check the code of websites to identify semantic errors in the HTML structure and technical aspects such as keyboard navigation. They also test the content for missing alternative texts, insufficient contrast ratios or logical heading structures.
Although UX testing relies heavily on manual testing, these tools also enable a basic accessibility assessment and help to make digital content more accessible for people with disabilities.
Although the quality of these solutions is improving and covering more than just the low-hanging fruit
These tools help to detect violations of accessibility standards and legal requirements more quickly than traditional manual testing.
| Category | Manual accessibility testing |
Automated accessibility testing
|
| Accuracy | High (contextual, user perspective) |
Limited (may overlook UX issues)
|
| Efficiency | Slower (requires human effort) |
Fast (can scan large code bases)
|
| Coverage | Covers user experience, navigation and special cases |
Detects only rule-based problems
|
| Tools required | Screen reader, keyboard, color contrast checker |
Axe, WAVE, Lighthouse, etc.
|
| Best suited for | Complex interactions, real-life scenarios |
Quick checks, detection of common errors
|
| Limitations | Time-consuming, requires specialist knowledge |
Cannot assess usability or intent
|
Automated tests are ideal for initial overview scans, identifying incorrect heading structures or improper use of ARIA(Accessible Rich Internet Applications). Manual testing is ideal, for example, for testing keyboard navigation, screen reader experience or testing interactive elements and usability.
A thoughtful combination of both approaches can lead to a comprehensive and accurate evaluation.
It should be noted that although automated testing tools help to quickly identify defects, they cannot replace the human ability to detect errors, critical thinking and the experience of testers.
Manual and human-supervised automated testing procedures remain crucial to assess the usability and actual accessibility of software.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into force on June 28, 2025 through the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). This means that you could be exposed to regulatory risk if you don't act now.
For an initial indication, see also: Self-audit on the Accessibility Enhancement Act
Don't worry - TestSolutions will be happy to advise you individually and without obligation on how we can help you.
We have the right mix of expertise and experience to meet your requirements.
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Note: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact a qualified lawyer to resolve specific legal issues. No liability is assumed for the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information provided.