InVision returns with RAFT: rapid accessibility testing using synthetic users

Design · 4 min read

InVision re-entered the design tooling space with RAFT (Rapid Accessibility Fuzzing and Testing), a tool that runs simulated users with various assistive device profiles against prototypes. RAFT reports focus order problems, missing landmarks, and probable screen-reader reading orders before a product reaches development.

The tool synthesizes diverse interaction patterns — keyboard navigation, screen reader sequences, and voice input paths — and maps findings back to prototype screens with prioritized remediation steps. Teams can batch-run RAFT across flows to catch regressions early.

RAFT integrates into design handoffs and CI pipelines, exporting actionable tickets with suggested code-level fixes and ARIA attributes. InVision also included a collaboration layer where designers and engineers can annotate issues and validate fixes within the prototype context.

Accessibility leads praised RAFT's ability to scale early validation, while some noted that synthetic testing should complement, not replace, testing with real users who have lived experience and nuanced interaction patterns.