The Judicial Branch of Puerto Rico
Administración de Tribunales
About the Project
The Judicial Branch of Puerto Rico requested a review of its digital tools to ensure both access and accessibility for individuals with functional diversity. The Office of Court Administration (OAT) is responsible for developing a standardized administrative system that streamlines judicial processes, ensures efficient service delivery, manages the resources needed for system operations, and promotes transparency and accessibility within the Judicial Branch.
The Problem and My Role
With the goal of improving access to justice, various digital tools have been developed, including the Electronic Court platform. This platform allows legal professionals to manage cases through the Unified Case Management and Administration System (SUMAC) and access their account in the Unified Registry of Attorneys (RUA). It also integrates the Notarial Integrated System (SIGNO Notarial), which facilitates the electronic processing of certain notarial documents and applications for certifications from the Office of Notary Inspection (ODIN).
My role in this process was to evaluate SUMAC’s accessibility, ensuring its compatibility with assistive technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. I conducted both automated and user testing to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, could use the system efficiently.
The Process
User testing was conducted with blind individuals and users with reduced mobility on both mobile and desktop devices. The methods applied included usability testing, interviews, and completion rate test reports.
Based on the findings, I developed recommendations to improve color contrast and palette, optimize button usability and touch target areas, and enhance the overall user experience. I also suggested content adjustments to support better cognitive understanding through more precise and more accessible wording.
Additionally, a code audit was performed, where I recommended the inclusion of specific ARIA labels (aria-labelledby) in sections requiring clearer interpretation by assistive technologies.