Your client wants design changes that harm app accessibility. How do you navigate this challenging request?

In Taav System, while working on the Dastranj app, a client requests design changes that might compromise accessibility, like reducing font size or using a less contrasting color scheme. You acknowledge their desire for a sleek design but emphasize the importance of keeping the app accessible to all users. You suggest alternative design options that maintain both aesthetics and accessibility, collaborating with the team to create mockups that balance these priorities. By demonstrating that accessibility can enhance user experience without sacrificing style, you work with the client to reach a solution that satisfies both their vision and the need for inclusivity.

Explain the importance of accessibility in app design. Highlight that accessibility ensures the app is usable by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Discuss the legal and ethical responsibilities involved, such as compliance with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar laws in other countries. Additionally, emphasize the market impact, as accessible design broadens the user base, leading to potential growth in customers and improved reviews.

When a client requests design changes that could harm app accessibility, it's important to approach the situation with empathy and clear communication. Begin by acknowledging their preferences and explaining the importance of accessibility in creating an inclusive user experience, highlighting how it aligns with broader business goals. Provide examples of how the requested changes might negatively impact users with disabilities and propose alternative solutions that meet the client's design goals while maintaining accessibility. Offer to collaborate closely on refining the design to ensure it both satisfies the client and upholds accessibility standards, positioning yourself as a partner in achieving a successful and inclusive product.

Erstmal geht es darum zu verstehen, wo der Kunde herkommt. Eine ?nderung solcher Art hat in der Regel einen (hoffentlich) sinnvollen und gesch?ftlichen Hintergrund. Barrierefreiheit ist jetzt auch kein Selbstzweck, der gesch?ftliche Prozesse oder einen gewissen Nutzen unterbinden soll. Wenn man versteht, wo der Kunde herkommt, kann man ggf. Alternativrouten vorschlagen um Nutzen und Barrierefreiheit doch noch kombiniert zu bekommen.

Facing accessibility-compromising requests is a chance to demonstrate our expertise in inclusive design. By educating clients with empathy, we can showcase how accessibility benefits all users. We can propose creative solutions that preserve the client's vision while enhancing usability. This approach often leads to innovative designs that improve the overall user experience, resulting in a more successful product. By guiding clients towards accessibility, we're building better apps and fostering a more inclusive digital world.

I'd begin by thoroughly understanding the specific changes the client wants and why they believe these changes are necessary. Sometimes, there might be a misunderstanding about the impact on accessibility or an alternative solution that could meet both the client's goals and accessibility standards. I really like to remember about this statement when I'm going to difficult situations like this: A Problem Well-Defined is a Problem Half-Solved. In other words, make sure you have a problem well defined from all perspectives before start trying to solve it.

Wieso nur besprechen? Einfach mal zeigen, den Kunden mal in die Kundenperspektive versetzen und ihn die Seite oder den Service nur mit Screenreader oder Tastatur bedienen lassen. Das kann heilsame Wirkung haben.

You will be surprised that removing accessibility can have a legal impact on the company. There are certain countries, especially in the EU region that are strict with inclusivity. Aside from feature impact, as engineers, we must also have a responsibility to at least know how certain features can impact a business legally.

We should analyse how each change might affect users with various disabilities, providing our clients with valuable insights. By illustrating potential consequences – like how removing voice-over support impacts visually impaired users – we help clients make informed decisions. This approach positions us as strategic partners, committed to creating products that are both appealing and inclusive. Our careful analysis often leads to innovative solutions that enhance the app's overall usability and appeal for all users.

Auch hier hilft einfach mal die Benutzerbrille aufziehen. Schonmal farbenblind eine Seite bedient? Wie w?r es das mal vorzuführen? Man kann Farbschemata auch aus unterschiedlichen Blickwinkeln anschauen, es muss nicht immer das gesunde Auge der Ma?stab sein.