Andrée Lange has over ten years of experience working as a digital designer at several agencies. At heart she is a true UX and visual designer. In recent years she has specialised in web accessibility. And more specific: in accessible design.
Everyone benefits from an accessible web
Yes, everyone! Picture yourself in a bustling café, attempting to complete a form online. In such a setting, web accessibility is your silent ally. Want to know more? Check out our other article, “For whom is web accessibility important?”.
An accessible design ensures better business
Beyond the ethical and moral considerations, there’s a compelling business case for accessibility. Did you know about 20% of the world’s population lives with a disability? A staggering 71% of these individuals will exit a website immediately if it’s not user-friendly. It’s not just limited to people with disabilities; if a site is challenging to navigate, many will abandon it. Imagine the potential revenue lost! Ensuring website accessibility retains these visitors. Need guidance on this journey? Our course, “Accessible design, the basics“, is here to assist.
Accessible design: a competitive advantage
We all love innovation and cutting-edge designs. However, beauty and accessibility aren’t mutually exclusive. If your design isn’t accessible but your competitor’s is, guess who the client will choose? Make accessibility your unique selling point. Show clients why your accessible design is superior.
It may suddenly become a requirement in your client’s briefing
Increasingly, clients are valuing the importance of websites that everyone can use with ease. This shift means that standards like WCAG 2.1 AA—and soon 2.2 AA—are becoming essential checkboxes for projects. Globally, laws now require public sectors to offer accessible digital experiences.
However, it’s not just about public entities. The private sector is also facing pressure to ensure accessibility. With a surge in lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the upcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA), the message is clear: Accessibility is crucial. What’s notable about the EAA is its scope—it extends beyond websites and mobile apps, encompassing a variety of products and services. For the first time, whether you’re offering services or selling products in the EU, there’s a universal accessibility standard to meet.
Teamwork is what makes websites work
It’s not just about your clients; it’s about collaboration. Creating an accessible website or webshop is a team effort. While a developer can enhance site accessibility through code, they can’t rectify an inherently inaccessible design, and vice versa. Prioritising accessibility from the start makes everyone’s job easier.
