To change your stakeholder's perspective on accessibility in UX research, present data showing how inclusive design improves user satisfaction and broadens market reach. Share case studies demonstrating the business benefits of accessibility, such as increased conversions and customer loyalty. Highlight legal and ethical considerations, emphasizing that accessibility is a fundamental aspect of user experience. Engage them by involving users with disabilities in the research process to showcase firsthand the value of accessible design.

Here’s how I approach to change stakeholders mind when they dismiss accessibility in UXR: Telling Real Stories: Sharing examples of how inaccessible designs exclude users makes the impact personal and relatable. Highlighting Business Value: I focus on how accessibility improves usability for everyone, expands market reach, and reduces legal risks. Showing Data: Presenting usability test results or case studies where accessibility improved performance builds a strong case. Quick Wins: Demonstrating small, impactful changes helps stakeholders see results without feeling overwhelmed.

Changing a stakeholder’s perspective on accessibility starts with framing it as a business opportunity. Share examples of companies that benefited from inclusive design or faced lawsuits for ignoring it. Start with small, impactful changes, like improving color contrast or adding alt text, to show how accessibility benefits all users. Involve real users with disabilities in testing to make the impact more tangible. Sharing their feedback or showing how they interact with a product can build empathy and understanding. Simple exercises, like simulating disabilities or using assistive technology, can help stakeholders see accessibility as essential and valuable rather than optional.

You have to show that universal design benefits everybody. It isn’t about disability, it isn’t about edge cases. Great inclusive design is intuitive and universally beneficial to all users. Provide examples, such as curb ramps: designed for wheelchair accessibility, but useful for everybody in a variety of situations. I hired an accessibility expert on our UX Team who, in addition to her everyday UX sprint work, is dedicated to moving the needle on this issue internally and providing such examples. In addition she has produced accessibility guidelines shared with all product teams that make it easy for team members to understand their role and how to make accessible products. She also gives regular talks internally to make it relatable.

Ever had a stakeholder dismiss accessibility as “not a priority”? It happens more often than you’d think. -Share Real Stories Microsoft introduced the Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018 and in 2023, made updates allowing gamers to remap buttons, improving accessibility for users with disabilities. -Talk Numbers Let’s be real businesses care about ROI. Inclusive design opens doors to millions of customers and avoids costly lawsuits. In 2023, over 4,500 accessibility lawsuits were filed, a 40% increase from 2022. -Help Them Understand Accessibility Ask stakeholders to try using your product with a screen reader or just a keyboard. It’s an eye-opener for stakeholders as well makes them realize how tough it can be for some users.