You're facing resistance from a stakeholder on accessibility. How do you emphasize its critical importance?

1 Legal Mandates

In many regions, laws require digital products to be accessible to people with disabilities. This isn't just about avoiding legal repercussions; it's about acknowledging the rights of all users to have equal access to information and services online. By emphasizing the legal mandates, you're showing that accessibility isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have. It's essential to comply with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide a framework for making web content more accessible.

2 Ethical Considerations

Accessibility is also a matter of ethics. It's about creating an inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate without barriers. When you discuss accessibility with stakeholders, frame it as an ethical imperative. Highlighting the impact of exclusion can be a powerful motivator. Remind them that designing for accessibility means designing for diversity and inclusion , which reflects well on the company’s values and commitment to social responsibility.

3 User Experience

A key part of your argument should focus on how accessibility enhances the user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities. Features like clear navigation and readable fonts benefit all users. Explain that accessible design principles often lead to a cleaner, more intuitive interface that improves the overall user experience. This approach can help stakeholders see accessibility as an opportunity to enhance their product for a broader audience.

5 Innovation Driver

Accessibility challenges designers to think creatively and often leads to innovative solutions that benefit all users. For example, voice-assisted technology was initially developed to help users with visual impairments but has since become widely popular among all demographics. Emphasize how focusing on accessibility can drive innovation within your team, leading to unique features that set your product apart from competitors.

6 Long-Term Benefits

Lastly, consider the long-term benefits of integrating accessibility into your design process. It's not just about immediate compliance or user satisfaction—it's about future-proofing your product . As the population ages and the number of people with disabilities increases, accessible designs will become even more essential. Making the case for long-term planning can help stakeholders understand that investing in accessibility now is an investment in the product’s longevity and relevance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?