Observed Signal · Jun 6, 2023 · Other · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
6 Considerations for Digital Accessibility and Generative AI
CMSWire interviews Publicis Sapient's Alison Walden and Black Girl Group's Stephanie Alston on how generative AI can improve digital accessibility. They emphasize that AI must be built with accessibility in mind, involving people with disabilities in development. Google is highlighted for expanding Accessible Places in Maps and enhancing Live Caption across Android devices. The article covers six key considerations: trustworthy AI interfaces, context-aware voice assistants, inclusive development, adaptive UI, and the need to prioritize accessibility from the start. Experts note current AI tools lack finesse and require human oversight. Gartner's market guide stresses that digital accessibility is a mandatory requirement. The piece underscores the potential of AI to benefit the 27% of Americans with disabilities, but insists on inclusive design and collaboration.
Insight article on AI and digital accessibility, relevant for CX but not a major AdTech platform change or industry shift.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- One in four adults in America (27%) have a disability, according to CDC.
- Google expanded its Accessible Places feature in Maps to everyone, covering 40 million businesses.
- Google announced Live Caption updates for Android tablets and a new Live Caption for calls feature.
- Publicis Sapient has worked with McDonald's, Marriott, and Nissan on digital accessibility.
- Gartner advises that digital accessibility is a requirement, not a choice.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“her company has worked with many prominent brands including McDonald's, Marriott and Nissan....”
“her company has worked with many prominent brands including McDonald's, Marriott and Nissan....”
“As the senior director of technology for the digital consultancy, Publicis Sapient, her company has worked with many prominent brands includ...”
“Google shared its recently expanded collection of AI-enhanced offerings aimed at digital access and inclusion including access to its Access...”
“The 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Digital Accessibility advises that “Digital accessibility is no longer a choice; it’s a requirement.”...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Subway Launches 'Blueprint' for All-Day Dining
Subway is revamping its restaurant concept in the EMEA region with a new initiative called 'Blueprint', set to roll out from January 1, 2027. The concept includes modernized restaurant designs with enhanced digitalization, such as self-service kiosks and optimized pickup areas. Subway also aims to expand its daypart offerings with new breakfast and coffee menus, and introduces 'Grab & Go' for high-traffic locations. Additionally, the company is testing 'Subway After Dark' in the Netherlands, featuring a transformed evening ambiance and menu items like mac 'n' cheese and footlong pizzas. The brand is also introducing a new regional slogan, 'Get Your Own Way', and plans to nearly double its presence in the region over the next five years.
TikTok Adds AI Shopping Assistant and Direct Brand Checkout
At Advertising Week New York, TikTok unveiled a suite of AI-powered commerce and advertising features, including a conversational Shopping Assistant and 'Buy Direct' in-app checkout, developed with partners like Salesforce, Shopify, Shoplazza, and Stripe. The platform also introduced 'Agentic Leads' for AI-driven lead capture and qualification, enhanced Smart+ features for Search Ads Campaigns and GMV Max, and launched the TikTok Ad Network (TTAN), a programmatic marketplace spanning 400,000 apps and reaching 1 billion daily active users. Additionally, TikTok released a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server to integrate AI platforms like Claude and Perplexity. The company highlighted its economic impact, estimating $81 billion in US GDP contribution and $15.8 billion in US sales for TikTok Shop in 2025. As a subsidiary of ByteDance, TikTok's move into agentic commerce signals its transformation into a significant sales channel, blurring the line between social media and e-commerce. However, the article raises concerns about brands losing control over customer relationships and data, prompting the Retail AI Council to form a working group.
McDonald's retail media trial raises value exchange questions
McDonald's is trialing a retail media network, planning to display ads on drive-thru screens at 450 US restaurants. The opinion piece by Kristina Kaganer, founder of Auxbow, argues that the initiative risks damaging customer experience, trust, and order speed unless the brand offers a clear value exchange. While retail media is booming globally with over 200 networks and $200 billion in annual spend, the author questions whether consumers benefit from ads at the point of purchase. She suggests McDonald's should prioritize family-friendly content, quick service, and creating memorable experiences to maintain brand loyalty. The article also discusses measurement challenges, whether drive-thru screens qualify as DOOH, and calls for transparent value exchanges in the industry.
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