Designing for all: Navigating the worlds of inclusive and accessible design

That’s where inclusive design and accessible design come in. But what does that actually mean? And what’s the difference between inclusive and accessible? They overlap, but they’re not the same. Both are essential for creating fair, usable and welcoming experiences.

In this article, we’ll focus on web design. We dive into the similarities and key differences between inclusivity and accessibility. Importantly, we’ll show why it matters. Why brands need to create web designs that embrace human diversity. Equal access for everyone is the goal.

Do you want to understand universal design better? To create more inclusive digital content? Or want your website to appeal to a wider demographic? We’ve got it covered.

What’s the difference between inclusive and accessible?

Let’s start by looking at what each of these terms mean specifically.

Accessible: means being ‘able to be reached or used’. In design terms, it focuses on the needs of people with disabilities. That spans cognitive, visual, physical or auditory impairments.

Inclusive: has a definition of ‘includes much or everything’. In design, it strives to cover the diverse needs of people – basically everyone.

Inclusion is a broader concept than accessibility. It’s about actively welcoming everyone. You create a space that anyone can use without having to change or conform.

Understanding accessible and inclusive design

Accessible and inclusive design is often overlooked. That often results in frustrating, alienating user experiences.

Many challenges disabled people face stem from environments not designed for their needs. Generally, design is by non-disabled people, for people like them.

The UK population is increasingly diverse. There are 16 million people with a disability. That’s 24% of the population. So, ignoring accessible design principles could exclude nearly a quarter of your audience.

Your design choices can include or exclude diverse groups of people with specific needs, preferences and sensibilities too.

What is accessible design?

Accessible design removes barriers so people with disabilities can use your website independently. That includes adding image alt text, video captions or functionality that works with screen readers, for example.

It’s not just about disability. It also covers temporary or situational challenges. That could be reading a phone screen in bright sunlight or trying to type one-handed while commuting. It’s important to consider all manner of issues and challenges.

What is inclusive design?

Inclusive design aims to include and integrate all people. That’s regardless of their age, economic situation, geographic location, language, race, culture, and more. It embraces diversity and helps everybody to feel included and take part fully.

It builds in flexibility from the start. The goal is to create designs that adapt to people, not the other way round.

How do inclusive and accessible design impact user experience?

When you take everybody’s needs, preferences and abilities into account, you create a better user experience for all. You break down barriers to access and inclusion.

Both inclusive and accessible design principles share core values:

• Removing barriers
• Putting users first
• User research – listening, testing and improving continuously
• Recognising diverse groups of people, their needs and abilities

Accessible products and design, and inclusive products and design, aren’t ever ‘done’. It’s a process of ongoing improvement based on feedback and evolving user needs.

That’s why we don’t believe in becoming ‘perfectly accessible’. It’s a journey, constantly taking steps to be more accessible.

How can I make my website both inclusive and accessible?

Your go-to reference point is The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It has four design principles to meet web accessibility standards. They’re good practice for all digital product design, not only web design. It’s one to point your website and UX designers towards.

Think about the user experience. It’s crucial to make your digital content user-friendly. Remove obstacles and provide options for varying user experiences. Consider aspects like these:

• Don’t just add an image. Include alt text for those with visual impairments.
• Include captions and audio descriptions for people who are hard of hearing.
• Think about readability. Adjustable font sizes. High-contrast colours.
• Instead of picking pretty colours, choose high-contrast ones. People with visual impairments will thank you.
• All functionalities should work with a keyboard, assistive technologies, or touch.
• Keep your language simple. Avoid jargon.
• Make the functionality consistent and obvious.

Explore website design accessibility in more detail

When you design for the needs of a diverse group of people, you become more inclusive. You break down barriers to entry and welcome in more people.

Making better design choices

We’re focusing on web design here. But inclusive and accessible design principles will benefit your entire brand. Design all marketing materials with a diverse audience in mind.

How? Follow these four processes:

1. Understand user needs and limitations

You need to understand the diverse group of people you’re designing for. Consider their limitations, desires, abilities and pain points.

Inclusive design accounts for varying abilities, identities and environments that shape user experiences. Consider those with disabilities. Think about what limitations they might face. How can you help them to overcome that?

Learn how people adapt to technological barriers in different contexts. Listen to user feedback. Then adapt your designs accordingly.

2. Put people at the heart of your design process

Start with people. Put them at the centre of your inclusive design process. Focusing on what users need, do, and feel leads to designs that work better for everyone.

Take time to ensure your designs truly enhance human experiences. Test, refine and test again. Involve real people early and often. Actively consult users in every stage of the design process. Eliminate barriers and address instances that may exclude people. This mindset and process drives positive change. And that truly matters.

3. Acknowledge diversity and difference

Different cultures, languages and abilities matter. Representation in design matters too.

Diversity and difference form the bedrock of inclusive design. To truly grasp user needs, consider their varying backgrounds, cultures and abilities. This paves the way for designs that are more considerate and accommodating.

Be mindful of your own biases. Take active steps to eliminate them. Foster diversity within your workplace and design team. Use inclusive imagery in your designs. Reflect a spectrum of ethnicities, genders, ages and abilities. Keep listening and learning about cultures and human differences.

4. Offer choices

Ensure your designs are adaptable. Users have different preferences and requirements. Provide them with choices. Steer clear of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Apply flexible solutions that can be adapted to meet different users’ needs. Give them options. Then they can choose the experience they prefer.

Done well, inclusive design creates a sense of belonging. It helps people feel welcomed and valued. That feeling will keep them coming back to you.

Take steps towards inclusive and accessible design

Ultimately, inclusive and accessible design involves breaking down barriers. Put people at the heart of your design process. Keep their diverse needs top of mind when designing for them. Then make sure your design allows them to engage with your website. That’s a positive outcome for your users and your brand.

At Studio Noel, we believe that good design is equitable design. If you want your brand and content to be more accessible or inclusive, please contact us. We would love to help.