Your client dismisses accessibility in UX design. How can you convince them of its crucial role?

To convince a client about accessibility in UX design, try to explain them by using some real world examples because not all clients have tech knowledge. Here can be an explanation: Imagine you're building a restaurant, but only half your customers can get through the door. Sounds crazy, right? That’s what happens when you ignore accessibility in UX design. Accessibility is like offering free Wi-Fi—everyone expects it, and when it’s not there, people complain. It's not just about avoiding fines (though that’s a good reason), it’s about making sure everyone, no matter their needs, can enjoy your product. Plus, it’s great for business! Why turn away customers when you can make it easy for them to stick around?

To convince a client of accessibility’s importance in UX design, present the business case by showing how accessibility expands market reach and improves user satisfaction. Highlight legal and ethical responsibilities to avoid potential risks. Share case studies or examples of successful companies that prioritize accessibility. Demonstrate how accessibility enhancements can positively impact the overall user experience and offer practical, incremental changes to integrate into their design process.

?? Explaining the legal requirements for accessibility can be a compelling argument. One time at NEILS, we had a client who was unaware of the legal implications of neglecting accessibility. I presented them with information about laws such as the ADA and WCAG standards, highlighting the potential legal consequences of non-compliance. This approach made them realize that accessibility is not just an option but a necessity to avoid legal risks. ??

Legal Compliance: Explain that accessibility is often mandated by law. In many countries, there are regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US, the European Accessibility Act, and others that require digital accessibility. Non-compliance can lead to legal repercussions and lawsuits. Ethical Obligation: Emphasize the ethical responsibility to ensure everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and use the product. This aligns with the company’s values of inclusivity and social responsibility.

Accessibility isn't just about inclusivity; it's about reaching more users and maximizing potential. Ignoring it means losing out on a significant portion of your audience and future growth.

By making a product accessible, it reaches a larger audience, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with temporary impairments. This can increase the potential user base and market reach.

Designing with accessibility in mind not only meets legal requirements but also expands the market by benefiting people with disabilities, seniors, and users in challenging environments. This enhances the experience for a broader audience, fostering loy.

?? In my experience, showing how accessibility improves overall usability can change minds. I demonstrated how accessible design features, such as clear navigation and readable text, benefit all users, not just those with disabilities. By emphasizing that accessibility leads to a better user experience for everyone, I helped the client see the broader value and impact of inclusive design. ??