At Theft, one of our core principles is that we design for inclusivity rather than accessibility. For those working in the digital product space, granted you’ve heard the term “accessibility” tossed around. It can sometimes feel like a buzzword or a requirement imposed by larger enterprise organizations to check off a box.
Accessibility and inclusivity — what's the difference?
Designing for accessibility is an important aspect of creating digital products that are usable by everyone. It involves considering the needs of users with disabilities and ensuring that the product is fully accessible to them. This can include things like adding alternative text to images for users who are blind or visually impaired, providing closed captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, and using clear and concise language for users with cognitive disabilities.
While designing for accessibility is certainly important, product teams often fall into the trap of designing for accessibility after the product has already shipped. It can feel like putting a band-aid on a breaking dam: it's just not enough on its own. In order to truly create products that are inclusive and usable by everyone, we must first design for inclusivity.
What is inclusivity in design? Inclusive design is a design process that actively considers the needs, preferences, and experiences of a diverse group of users. This includes not just users with disabilities, but also users of different ages, genders, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. By designing for inclusivity, we create products that are accessible, usable, and useful for everyone.
There are several reasons why we believe in inclusivity first...
It's the right thing to do
Creating products that are inclusive and accessible to everyone is not just a business or legal requirement, it's a moral imperative. By designing for inclusivity, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
It leads to better products
By considering the needs and preferences of a diverse group of users, we can create products that are more widely adopted and more highly regarded. This can lead to increased revenue and market share.
It avoids the pitfall of designing for the "average" user
Many designers fall into the trap of designing for the "average" user, which often means designing for a narrow and privileged subset of the population. By designing for inclusivity, we can avoid this pitfall and create products that are truly usable by everyone.
It's not just a nice-to-have
While the importance of inclusive design is often talked about in terms of its benefits for users, it's important to recognize that it also has a direct impact on a product's success. Here are just a few reasons why inclusive research and design is not only essential, but non-negotiable for the long-term success of a digital product:
- A larger user base: By considering the needs of a diverse group of users, you can potentially expand your product's user base to include people who may have otherwise been excluded due to accessibility or usability issues. This can lead to increased revenue and market share.
- Increased customer satisfaction: When users feel like their needs and preferences have been taken into account, they are more likely to be satisfied with the product. This can lead to increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth promotion, which can be valuable for attracting new users.
- Reduced risk of legal action: Failing to consider the needs of certain groups of users, such as those with disabilities, can result in legal action for discrimination. By proactively designing for inclusion, you can avoid these types of issues and protect your product and your business.
- Improved team morale: Inclusive design practices can lead to a more positive and inclusive team culture, which can improve morale and lead to better collaboration and innovation.
In short, inclusive research and design is not just a nice-to-have, it's a necessary component of creating successful digital products. By considering the needs of a diverse group of users, you can create products that are more widely adopted, more highly regarded, and less risky for your business. Ignoring the importance of inclusive design is not only a missed opportunity, it's a recipe for long-term failure.