Accessibility

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility is the concept of whether a product or service can be used by everyone however they encounter it. Accessibility laws exist to aid people with disabilities, but designers should try to accommodate all potential users in many contexts of use anyway. To do so has firm benefits notably better designs for all.

Accessibility is not only the right thing to do but often also brings benefits to all users. That’s because accessibility features that help people with disabilities often help other people, too.

For instance, video captions that help people with hearing difficulties also help a person who is watching the video on mute (e.g., in a social media feed). Legible, high contrast text that helps people with vision difficulties also helps people with perfect eyesight who are using the app outdoors in bright sunlight.

Many users whatever their abilities will face challenges due to demanding contexts. When you design for all ability levels, you can create products and services anyone can use and enjoy or at least find helpful or calming.