A
ccessibility is a crucial aspect of web design that is often overlooked. In this blog post, I will discuss why accessibility matters more than ever, and provide some case studies and examples to illustrate the importance of designing for all users.
Why Accessibility Matters More Than Ever
Web accessibility is the practice of designing websites and applications that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. It is not only a moral obligation but also a legal requirement in many countries. In the United States, for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been extended to include websites. Europe has the European Accessibility Act, and other countries have their own laws. Non-compliance with these laws can lead to hefty fines and lawsuits.
But accessibility is not just about avoiding legal trouble. It is also about creating a better user experience for everyone. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people have some form of disability. That’s a huge section of the global population that you risk alienating without proper web accessibility 1. Moreover, accessible websites have a 50% faster user speed on average. This reinforces the idea that what’s good for accessibility is generally good for all.
Case Studies and Examples
Let’s take a look at some case studies and examples to illustrate why accessibility matters more than ever.
Case Study 1: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a novel by Mark Haddon that tells the story of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism who sets out to solve the mystery of who killed his neighbor’s dog. The book was adapted into a play that premiered in London’s West End in 2012.
The play’s website was designed with accessibility in mind from the outset. The designers worked closely with autistic people and their families to ensure that the website was easy to use for everyone. The website features clear navigation, high contrast colors, and simple language. It also includes an audio description of the play for visually impaired users.
The result was a website that was not only accessible but also engaging and informative for all users. The website won several awards for its design, including a Webby Award for Best Practices.
Case Study 2: Apple
Apple is known for its sleek and innovative designs, but it is also committed to accessibility. The company’s products include features such as VoiceOver, which reads out loud what’s on the screen for visually impaired users; Switch Control, which allows users with limited mobility to control their devices using switches; and Closed Captions, which provide subtitles for videos.
Apple’s commitment to accessibility has paid off in many ways. For example, when Apple introduced VoiceOver in 2009, it opened up new markets for its products among visually impaired users. Moreover, Apple’s focus on accessibility has helped it build a reputation as a company that cares about its users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accessibility matters more than ever in today’s digital age. Not only is it a legal requirement in many countries, but it is also essential for creating a better user experience for everyone. By designing websites and applications with accessibility in mind from the outset, businesses can widen their reach, enhance user experience, and even positively affect their bottom line.
I hope this blog post has been informative and engaging to read. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to let me know!
