Accessibility-First UI with AI Video Analysis

TL;DR: Replay leverages AI video analysis to build accessibility-first UIs by understanding user behavior and generating code that adheres to accessibility best practices, surpassing traditional screenshot-to-code methods.

The future of UI development isn't about pixel-perfect replication; it's about understanding intent. Existing screenshot-to-code solutions fall flat because they only see the surface. They don't understand the user's journey, the context of their actions, or the underlying accessibility needs. We need a better way to build UIs that are not only functional but also inherently accessible.

That's where behavior-driven reconstruction comes in.

The Problem with Screenshot-to-Code: Accessibility Blindness#

Screenshot-to-code tools are a dead end for accessibility. They can recreate the look of a UI, but they completely miss the feel and the crucial considerations for users with disabilities. A visually appealing button is useless if it's not properly labeled for screen readers or if its contrast ratio is insufficient for users with low vision.

Consider this comparison:

The table clearly illustrates the core difference: Replay uses video to understand how a user interacts with an interface, not just what they see. This allows for a far more nuanced and accessibility-focused approach to code generation.

⚠️ Warning: Relying solely on screenshot-to-code tools can lead to significant accessibility violations, resulting in a poor user experience and potential legal issues.

Behavior-Driven Reconstruction: Accessibility Baked In#

Replay tackles the accessibility challenge head-on by analyzing video recordings of user interactions. This "behavior-driven reconstruction" allows us to infer the user's intent and generate code that prioritizes accessibility from the ground up. We don't just create a visually similar UI; we create a UI that is usable and inclusive.

Here's how it works:

1. •Video Analysis: Replay analyzes the video, identifying key user actions like clicks, form submissions, and navigation patterns.
2. •Intent Inference: Using Gemini, Replay infers the user's intent behind each action. For example, is the user trying to submit a form, navigate to a different page, or access specific information?
3. •Accessibility Audit: The system automatically identifies potential accessibility issues based on observed behavior, such as missing labels, insufficient contrast, or keyboard navigation problems.
4. •Code Generation: Replay generates clean, semantic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code that addresses the identified accessibility issues. This includes adding appropriate ARIA attributes, ensuring proper focus states, and providing alternative text for images.

💡 Pro Tip: Always prioritize semantic HTML. It's the foundation of an accessible website.

Building an Accessible Form with Replay#

Let's say you have a video of a user filling out a form. A traditional screenshot-to-code tool might generate something like this:

html
<input type="text" style="width: 200px; height: 30px;">
<input type="text" style="width: 200px; height: 30px;">
<button style="background-color: blue; color: white;">Submit</button>

This code is visually appealing, perhaps, but completely inaccessible. There are no labels, no ARIA attributes, and no indication of the purpose of each input field.

Replay, on the other hand, would analyze the video and generate something like this:

html
<form>
  <label for="name">Name:</label>
  <input type="text" id="name" name="name" aria-required="true">

  <label for="email">Email:</label>
  <input type="email" id="email" name="email" aria-required="true">

  <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>

This code is not only functional but also accessible. It includes labels for each input field, uses semantic HTML elements, and adds the

attribute to indicate required fields. Replay understands the purpose of the form and generates code that reflects that understanding.

📝 Note: Replay integrates with Supabase, enabling seamless backend integration for forms and other dynamic elements.

Implementing Accessible Navigation with Replay#

Consider a multi-page application. Replay can analyze the video of a user navigating between pages and automatically generate accessible navigation menus.

Step 1: Video Recording#

Record a video of a user navigating through the application. Ensure the video captures all key navigation elements and user interactions.

Step 2: Replay Analysis#

Upload the video to Replay. The system will analyze the video and identify the navigation structure.

Step 3: Code Generation#

Replay will generate accessible navigation code, including:

html
<nav aria-label="Main Navigation">
  <ul>
    <li><a href="/" aria-current="page">Home</a></li>
    <li><a href="/about">About</a></li>
    <li><a href="/contact">Contact</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

This code includes the

attribute to provide context for screen reader users and the attribute to indicate the currently active page.

Step 4: Style Injection#

Replay allows you to inject custom styles to further enhance the visual appearance of the navigation menu.

Product Flow Maps: Visualizing the User Journey#

Replay generates product flow maps that visually represent the user's journey through the application. These maps are invaluable for identifying potential accessibility bottlenecks and optimizing the user experience. By visualizing the user's flow, you can easily identify areas where users might be struggling and make targeted improvements.

Replay vs. the Competition: A Clear Winner#

The table speaks for itself. Replay is the only tool that combines video analysis, behavior-driven reconstruction, and a strong focus on accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Replay free to use?#

Replay offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans are available for more advanced functionality and higher usage limits.

How is Replay different from v0.dev?#

v0.dev primarily focuses on generating code from text prompts. Replay, on the other hand, analyzes video recordings of user interactions to generate code that is both functional and accessible. Replay understands how users interact with an interface, allowing it to create more intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

What kind of videos work best with Replay?#

The best videos are clear, well-lit recordings of user interactions with a specific application or website. Ensure the video captures all key user actions and navigation patterns.

Can Replay handle complex animations and transitions?#

Replay can analyze and reconstruct many animations and transitions, but extremely complex or custom animations may require manual adjustments.

How does Replay handle different screen sizes and devices?#

Replay can analyze videos recorded on different screen sizes and devices. The generated code is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes.

---

Ready to try behavior-driven code generation? Get started with Replay - transform any video into working code in seconds.