Digital Accessibility Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)
Creating a metrics oriented hierarchy for tracking accessibility progress
If you don’t know what an OKR is or why it is important to have them, please read this article first. If you are only going to skim it or don’t have time, just focus on the section called “Don’t half-ass OKRs.” This accessibility OKR article assumes that you have a basic knowledge of OKRs. It contains a very short OKR terminology refresher course and will help you apply the OKR knowledge you already have to the accessibility realm.
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a popular management framework used by many tech companies, and also technology divisions within non-tech organizations. It is a relatively simple tool which helps create alignment and engagement around measurable and verifiable goals. OKRs are not new, they are attributed to Andy Grove at Intel from about 40 years back. If you are working on an organized digital accessibility effort, chances are you are in the type of entity who is either already using or could benefit from OKRs centered around accessibility.
OKRs generally consist of a list of three to five high level Objectives, each with three to five measurable Key Results. Each Key Result is scored from 0–100% based on how well it has been accomplished. After creation and approval, OKRs should get visited…
