Dominik Seroczyński
UX Designer
Too Invisible: How Technology Can Serve Everyone
In an era where the internet is the cornerstone of daily life, digital accessibility takes on extraordinary importance. Work, education, shopping, or entertainment - every aspect of our lives is moving online. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this shift. Thanks to smartphones and other gadgets, we have the world at our fingertips.
Digitalization, while opening the doors to a global village, is not without its challenges. There are situations where it fails us or is not tailored to our needs. It could be a problem buying a ticket when the sun reflects off the phone screen, difficulty ordering an Uber while holding a child, or the inability to operate a computer without a mouse. These issues may seem small, but they highlight a larger problem: not everyone has equal access to the digital world.
A Lesson from Urban Planning
Have you heard of the so-called Curb-Cut Effect? Originally, this term referred to the actual lowering of curbs. Small ramps were created, minimizing the height difference between sidewalks and roads. This was aimed at increasing sidewalk accessibility for wheelchairs. The change turned out to have a positive impact on a wide range of people. Tourists with suitcases, parents with strollers, children pulling toys, and couriers with delivery carts - all benefited from this improvement.
This principle of universal design shows how solutions originally intended to assist people with disabilities can improve the lives of all users. Similarly, digital accessibility, ensuring equal access to the internet and technology for everyone, regardless of disability or other limitations, is essential in a world where being online is a necessity, not a luxury.
Microsoft emphasizes in its inclusive design principles that disability is not one-dimensional. It can be permanent (such as hearing impairment), temporary (a broken arm), or situational (holding a child while shopping online). Therefore, different perspectives should shape the way we think about digital accessibility.
Designing with accessibility in mind is becoming increasingly important. With such an approach, we create products and environments that are useful and available to the widest possible range of users. There are several key principles and best practices that help in creating accessible digital products and services. Here they are:
Designing with accessibility in mind is becoming increasingly important. With such an approach, we create products and environments that are useful and available to the widest possible range of users. There are several key principles and best practices that help in creating accessible digital products and services. Here they are:
Accessibility from the Start
Integrating accessibility principles at the early stage of the design process is crucial. It allows for the identification and addressing of potential accessibility barriers before they become part of the finished product, thereby minimizing the need for time-consuming and costly modifications later on. For example, considering color contrast and font legibility from the outset of the project can significantly improve accessibility for people with visual impairments.
User Testing
Regular testing of prototypes and finished products with users of varying needs and abilities is essential. It not only allows for the early detection and resolution of accessibility issues but also helps understand the diverse ways in which users may interact with the product. Testing should involve a wide range of users, including those with different types of disabilities (e.g., visual, auditory, motor, cognitive).
Team Training
Education, training of design and development teams on accessibility and universal design is fundamental to creating solutions that consider these factors. Teams should be aware of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the importance of accessibility in creating digital inclusion. Training may include best practices, accessibility assessment tools, and guidelines on universal design.
WCAG Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards designed to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG includes a wide range of recommendations covering aspects such as text legibility, navigation, audio and video accessibility, and interactivity.
Ignoring Accessibility Is a Bad Idea
It is a common belief that ensuring accessibility is an unnecessary expense, especially when it comes to the costs of creating and maintaining applications. Often, companies neglect the needs of people with disabilities, considering them as a small customer group. However, statistics are more telling: according to the European Council, about 87 million people live with some form of disability. In the United States, this number reaches about 27% of the population. This is not only a significant portion of society but also a significant market segment. Ignoring the needs of such a large group is a decision that does not serve business interests.
According to Forbes, people with disabilities globally have disposable income of around $1.9 trillion. Adapting products and services to accessibility principles, such as developing applications that are user-friendly for all users, is an effective way to expand the customer base, directly translating into increased profitability.
Neglecting accessibility can therefore have destructive consequences for business. About 70% of users with disabilities abandon inaccessible websites without even attempting to browse their content. This further reduces the likelihood of them making purchases. Therefore, it is not surprising that websites ignoring accessibility standards lose revenue estimated at $6.9 billion to their accessible competitors. Users with disabilities naturally prefer products and brands that meet their needs. This is a clear signal to businesses that adaptation of their offerings is necessary.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which is becoming a key legal element in this field. EAA is a set of regulations aimed at improving the accessibility of products and services throughout the EU. From 2025, these requirements will apply to all companies operating within the Union, meaning that compliance is not only a matter of good practice but also a legal requirement. Understanding and implementing EAA principles can therefore provide an additional advantage in the market and ensure compliance with new regulations.
Digital Inclusivity
In today's world, where digital presence is as important as physical presence, accessibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It's not just about meeting legal or technical requirements, but above all about building a more inclusive society. What begins with understanding and empathy towards the needs of all users translates into the creation of products and services that are friendly to everyone, regardless of individual limitations.
Every step towards digital accessibility is a step towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities for participation, learning, work, and entertainment. Striving for such a world is our shared responsibility - designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. After all, in an increasingly interconnected world, digital accessibility becomes a bridge that connects people, breaks barriers, and builds an inclusive community.
Sources
- Microsoft Inclusive Design
- Why Is Accessibility Important In Business? – Miquido Blog
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/01/27/accessible-design-why-and-how-to-make-it-a-priority-in-2021/?sh=4e20e04b6d3a