In the context of accessible digital product design, the emphasis often goes on practical solutions and tips. While this is undeniably important, it often misses a core understanding of accessibility.
This view is restricted and does not include full range of people benefitting from accessible design. True accessibility extends to a much broader and more diverse group, including those with temporary impairments, situational limitations, and various ability levels.
In this article, we'll unpack the social beliefs surrounding it and highlight the key aspects you need to understand. Our goal is to shift focus from quick-fix solutions to a deeper understanding of the issue. By broadening our view, we can create digital products that are genuinely inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of all users.
A shift of responsibility
The Social Model of Disabilities
In understanding disability, one crucial concept stands out: the Social Model of Disabilities. This idea urges us to rethink our perceptions of disability and the role society plays in either enabling or disabling individuals. The Social Model of Disabilities refocuses our attention from personal impairment to societal barriers restricting participation in daily life.
For example, a person in a wheelchair cannot enter a building, not due to their wheelchair, but because the lack of a ramp. Or think of someone with dyslexia struggling in a conventional educational setting not tailored to their learning needs. These situations highlight how physical, attitudinal, organizational, and societal barriers can disable people.
This model illustrates how environmental factors can intensify or even cause impairments. It reminds us that disability is not solely about the individual; it's about the interaction between the individual and their environment.
Consider someone with autism overwhelmed in a loud, brightly lit setting but flourishing in a quiet, structured space. These examples reveal the nature of impairment, which can vary greatly with the environment.
We're all impaired at some point
People who have hearing impairments and cannot watch videos without subtitles face similar difficulties as someone trying to hear a video in a noisy environment, like on a train. It is not just a hearing impairment problem; it can affect many people. For instance, imagine you are feeling stressed or hungover, the sun is making it difficult to see your screen, or you are trying to hold a dog and use your phone simultaneously, and the digital product is not adapted to fit those situations.
These situations can be challenging for anyone, not just a particular group. It is not only about a disability, but it is also about how we all can struggle in different moods and situations. Everyone can experience temporary impairments, so we need to change how we perceive and comprehend disabilities.
Building an Inclusive World
Differentiating between impairment and disability is vital. Impairment is a condition; disability arises when society fails to adapt. This differentiation is the key to inclusivity and accessibility. It’s not just about physical accommodations; it’s about changing our societal structures and attitudes for true inclusiveness.
Integrating these concepts into our daily lives, workplaces, and communities, we progress towards a world where disability is not viewed as a limitation but as part of the diverse human experience. As product people, we need to foster a society that doesn't disable its members but enables them to participate fully in various daily actions.
Key Takeaways:
- Environment Matters: emphasizing physical accessibility, assistive technologies, and inclusive communication is essential.
- Shifting Attitudes: societal attitudes and stereotypes often contribute to disabling processes.
- Inclusive Policies: organizations must review their policies and practices to prevent exclusion of people with disabilities.
- Adaptive Environments Reduce disability: adapting our environments can significantly diminish the level of impairment individuals experience.
- The Relativity of Impairment: the same condition can have different effects in various environments.
Breaking down the benefits of implementing accessibility
In digital product design, the integration of accessibility is not only a compliance measure but a strategic imperative that confines business, legal, and moral dimensions. This narrative extends across various layers of an organization's operations, fundamentally influencing its approach to innovation, customer engagement, and ethical practices.
Business benefits
- Expanding Market Reach: consider the global demographic – a significant portion of the population experiences some form of disability. Products designed with accessibility in mind tap into this extensive market, not just meeting a need but also expanding the user base, potentially boosting revenues.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Legal Compliance: beyond just adhering to legal standards, prioritizing accessibility reflects a commitment to ethical business practices. It's about staying ahead of legal mandates and demonstrating a proactive approach to societal responsibilities.
- Moral Responsibility: the essence of integrating accessibility in product design lies in its moral imperative. It’s about recognizing that accessibility is not an optional feature but a fundamental aspect of inclusive and ethical product design, catering to the diverse needs of all individuals.
Strategic Advantages
- Enhancing SEO and Online Presence: accessible design can significantly impact digital visibility. Implementing best practices, such as adding alternative text for images, improves inclusivity and boosts search engine rankings.
- Cultivating a Positive Brand Image: a commitment to accessibility aligns with diversity, inclusion, and innovation values. It strengthens an organization’s brand image and resonates with a culture that values inclusivity at its core.
Final thoughts
The approach to accessibility is more than a compliance issue; it's a strategic decision deeply rooted in an organization's core values and objectives. It's about providing exceptional user experiences, fostering a positive brand image, and maintaining a competitive edge in the digital landscape. The story of accessibility is one of inclusive innovation and ethical commitment, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of digital product design.
Embrace Inclusive Design in Your Practice
Would you like to join us in transforming the digital landscape? As we've explored, accessibility is far more than a compliance checkbox; it's a gateway to innovation, inclusivity, and ethical design. To all product managers and designers, this is your invitation to become architects of change. Be a part of our upcoming half-day training focused on the 'how' of accessibility.
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This session is dedicated to solving the practicalities of implementing accessibility from the outset of your design process. Gain actionable strategies and learn to develop a framework that will enrich your skillset and empower you to build products that resonate with everyone. Embrace this opportunity to lead the charge in shaping a more inclusive digital world.
The Necessity of Accessible Design
Accessibility is a dynamic process that requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. As technology evolves, so do the needs and ways people interact with digital products. By embedding accessibility into the core of product design, we not only comply with legal and ethical standards but also embrace a philosophy of inclusivity that benefits all. It's about recognizing the diversity of human experience and ensuring that our digital products reflect, respect, and cater to this diversity.
