Imagine yourself trying to access a website but not being able to understand the content, see the visuals properly, or find the information you are in need for.
Would you leave the site and find one easier to navigate and understand? The answer to this is more likely to be “Yes”.
For millions of people across the world, this is a common thing on websites which are not built with the people-first approach and sites that don’t follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or use inclusive website design methods.
However, this can be changed by creating websites and digital experiences accessible to a broader community with planning, intentionality, and execution.
How to put people first in web design and also attract a wider audience base for your brand?
Improve User Experience: Accessibility features, such as alternative text for images, clear and concise content, keyboard navigation, and captions for multimedia, not only make your website or app accessible but also enhance the overall user experience for all users.
Enhance Brand Reputation: Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility demonstrates that your brand values diversity and inclusiveness. This can enhance your brand's reputation, as users appreciate and respect businesses that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity.
Tap into Untapped Markets: By making your website and app accessible, you can tap into untapped markets consisting of individuals with special needs. This audience represents a significant portion of the population and can provide valuable insights and potential business opportunities.
Compliance with Regulations: In many countries, there are legal requirements and regulations regarding web and app accessibility. By ensuring your digital platforms are accessible, you can avoid potential legal issues and maintain compliance with accessibility standards.
Positive Word-of-Mouth: When users have a positive experience on your accessible website or app, they are more likely to share their experience with others. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations can help attract new users and expand your brand's reach.
SEO Benefits: Implementing accessibility best practices, such as descriptive headings, proper image alt tags, and well-structured content, can improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO).
Accessible Design vs Inclusive Design
Accessible Design: Accessible design refers to creating digital platforms, products, and environments that can be accessed and used by individuals with special needs. It aims to remove barriers and provide equal access and opportunities for everyone.
Accessible design focuses on meeting specific technical standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to ensure compliance and accessibility for individuals with special needs.
Inclusive Design: Inclusive design goes beyond accessibility by considering the needs and preferences of a wider range of users, including individuals with special needs. It aims to create products and experiences that are usable, engaging, and beneficial for all users, regardless of their abilities, age, gender, cultural background, or other characteristics.
Inclusive design seeks to proactively include diverse perspectives and experiences in the design process to ensure that the final product caters to a broad audience.
Primary Focus and the Bigger Goal
While accessible design focuses primarily on providing equal access for individuals with special needs, inclusive design takes a broader approach by considering the needs of a diverse range of users. Inclusive design aims to create products and experiences that are usable and engaging for everyone, promoting diversity and inclusivity.
It's important to consider accessibility and inclusivity as integral parts of your overall design and development process. By ensuring that your digital platforms are accessible to all users, you can create a more inclusive brand experience and attract a wider audience.
Ascentspark Software is a UI/UX design company that can help you design and develop unique inclusive and accessible websites to reach a wider audience and also create a difference.
Connect with us today on https://www.ascentspark.com/contact
Learn more about our Design services on - https://www.ascentspark.com/services/ui-ux-design
Apart from Design, Ascentspark also offers Android and iOS Mobile App development, SAAS application development, and digital transformation and a host of other solutions for your business.
