WHAT IS ACCESSIBLE DESIGN?

Accessibility is all about designing to meet users’ requirements, including those with disabilities. When creating content, the accessible design ensures everyone has equal access, and that no one is excluded.
By ensuring that your content is accessible, you’re showing you intently care about their experience and want to provide a similar experience for all.

For those organisations that care there are laws governing the accessible design, read more about WCAG 2.1.

HOW DO YOU CREATE AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE?

Inclusivity is creating content that respects a broad range of users and their various abilities, situations, and backgrounds.
Inclusiveness doesn’t specifically address a user issue but instead provides a variety of tools and functionality for the end user to meet their requirements in that given situation. An inclusive experience goes further than Accessibility because it questions whether a user can and if they want to use something.

For Accent, inclusive design is all about understanding our audience. For example, we show diversity in our imagery, ensuring the representation of a broader demographic concerning ability, ethnicity and gender. This diversity helps users to relate to the content.

DO THE TWO GO HAND IN HAND?

The differences between Accessibility and Inclusivity are often confused as the two terms are frequently combined in the design world. Understanding how these differ and complement each other is critical to creating the best experience for your users.

An accessible design ensures that everyone can experience the content; however, inclusive design requires you to think about the content itself. Accessibility requires suitability and rationale and is based upon objective, measurable facts such as alternative text, font sizes, browser versions, and contrast ratios. Inclusivity is more sensitive and personal, encouraging you to put yourself into the user’s position to understand whether the experience is something they will enjoy or benefit from.

By considering and employing both design practices, you’ll create a more well-rounded experience for your audience that feels their desires and needs.