Selection of Accessible Media Inc Website Screencaps.

AMI Invests in Digital to Enrich the Lives of Those in the Blind Community

In continuing their mission to make accessible media for all Canadians, Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) invests in digital to empower audiences and enrich the lives of those in the blind and low-vision community.

Opportunity

AMI’s digital media efforts had not kept pace with their evolution into a full-fledged broadcaster and content creator. With existing marketing and content teams focused on the broadcast channels and fully tasked with day-to-day operations; AMI was looking for a collaborative partner to help them achieve their goal of becoming a world leader and advocate for online accessibility.

Solution

MitreBox UXD began by undertaking a comprehensive series of information gathering and research activities. AMI’s executive, marketing, and content teams, as well as members of the blind and low-vision community, were engaged early and often; ensuring that varying perspectives and all unique stakeholder goals were captured. Key findings were brought together alongside strategic recommendations to provide AMI with an actionable, prioritized digital strategy and online product roadmap; complete with an understanding of what was required to achieve these targets.

Initially, a complete redesign of the AMI website was identified as the highest priority, and MitreBox UXD was further engaged to work with AMI to provide wireframes, functional specifications, and creative design for an accessible and inclusive online experience. Once complete, MitreBox was further engaged to assist in extending the highly accessible AMI digital experience from the web to mobile devices with the creation of dedicated streaming video apps for iOS and AppleTV platforms.

A complete redesign of the AMI website was identified as the highest priority, and MitreBox UXD was further engaged to work with AMI to provide wireframes, functional specification, and creative design for an accessible and inclusive online experience. MitreBox UXD also assisted with the selection of a development partner and continues to be engaged. Providing ongoing support and expertise as AMI continues to move forward with high-priority activities on the product roadmap.

Results

To date, the initial recommendations outlined in the original digital strategy have been successfully implemented and AMI continues to create, advocate, collaborate, and enable the blind and low-vision community. They have successfully “leveled-up” and are a shining example of how a large broadcaster and content creator can achieve their goals in the digital space while still providing a fully accessible and extremely usable experience both on their website and mobile apps.

By continuing to focus on the creation of digital media products that follow leading user experience design best practices and that are also fully accessible, AMI is well positioned for their ongoing broadcast license renewals which require them to provide accessibility leadership in the Canadian television industry.

Services Provided

MitreBox UXD worked closely with AMI to provide the following services: