The Web Is(n't) for Everyone: Accessibility in Digital Design

We are oblivious to our own blind spots. We perceive and interpret the world through frames of reference but we do not see the frames of reference themselves. This, in turn, means that we tend to underestimate the extent to which we can learn from people with different points of view.

—Rebel Ideas, by Matthew Sye

It's easy to design for yourself. You know what you want from a website, how you want to use, and overall what feels natural vs. excessive vs. simplistic to your user experience. But overwhelmingly, our designs are not meant for us— we are not the target audience.

Any time we develop something for a digital format, it's important to consider who we're designing for. User personas are one way to keep your audience in mind as you design, but it most likely won't cover the rising trend toward accessibility design.

Microsoft defines Inclusive Design as, “a methodology, born out of digital environments, that enables and draws on the full range of human diversity. Most importantly, this means including and learning from people with a range of perspectives.”

Digital accessibility means ensuring that web content can be found, understood, and used by everyone. Consider how someone uses an app, a website, or just the settings on their iPhone as a disabled person. How does being blind, deaf, having fewer fingers, etc. impact a person's ability to interact with the digital world?

“Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance.”

— Verna Myers, Diversity and inclusion consultant

Accessibility can help many types of people, not just those with permanent disabilities. There are many situations where increased accessibility can help user experience, and there is no doubt that it is an essential piece of UX design.

A representation of how accessibility can help many different types of people.