Introduction to Inclusive UX/UI Design

This scenario perfectly highlights why inclusive UX/UI design is so important. It's not just about meeting accessibility standards but about creating experiences that provide a diverse range of users with varying needs and abilities. This means ensuring everyone, regardless of their capabilities, can interact with digital products seamlessly.

Get to know the user’s background

There are no two completely identical users, and inclusive design takes this into account by avoiding designs intended just for one group of users. However, some users can still feel excluded and marginalized by different factors. Here are the most common ones:

1. Age
   One of the most significant demographic factors influencing design is age. For example, the needs and requirements of younger users can be very different from those of older ones.
   
   
2. Sex, gender, and sexuality
   Users who identify as LGBTQIA+ often face unique challenges in design due to assumptions about gender and sexual orientation.
   
   
3. Ethnicity
   Users from different ethnic backgrounds may encounter issues related to ethnic representation, cultural sensitivity, language accessibility, bias, and stereotypes.
   
   
4. Socioeconomic situation
   One important thing to keep in mind is that not all users, especially older ones, have new mobile devices. Older and cheaper devices often have limited internal storage and outdated processors and operating systems, which can lead to slower usage. As a result, not everyone can access content equally.
   
   
5. Disabilities
   According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of the population has some form of disability, which can really affect their user experience. There are various types of disabilities, such as:
   
   • Visual: Refers to low vision, blindness, and color blindness
   • Hearing: This category includes users with a range of hearing abilities, from mild to severe, including deaf and hard-of-hearing
   • Motor: Refers to physical and mobility impairments resulting from traumatic injuries, diseases, and congenital conditions
   • Cognitive: Users with greater mental task difficulty than the average person
   • Vestibular: Sensitivity to seizures triggered by strobing, flickering, or flashing

Now, what’s inclusive design exactly? 

Inclusive design isn't just a nice-to-have feature but an essential part of UX/UI design. It involves designing with empathy and respect for diverse users and having a deep understanding of their backgrounds and abilities. Every designer should prioritize creating designs that allow everyone to join in and feel like they belong rather than designing for all users in the same way.

Many countries have established laws and regulations to ensure digital accessibility to reinforce these principles. One of them is the European Accessibility Act, a legislative framework adopted by the European Union that will be enforced on June 28, 2025. That's less than a year away! 😱The EAA establishes minimum accessibility requirements for digital products and services, such as websites, mobile apps, and e-commerce, to benefit users with disabilities.

Now, let's clear up the difference between accessibility and inclusive design. These terms are often used interchangeably, however, they are related concepts, not the same. Accessibility is the primary outcome of an effective and inclusive design process. It focuses on the end result or outcome of the design, ensuring that all users can use the final product. That's why we have the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) — to set a common standard and make web content more accessible for all users. On the other hand, inclusive design emphasizes the approach, not just the outcome. It’s a process of creating experiences that can be used by a broad, diverse group of users, and it starts by identifying situations where users are excluded from using the product.

3 key benefits of inclusive design

Inclusive design benefits all users, regardless of their abilities or background, but it also offers significant advantages for brands. Its importance can be considered from various perspectives, and I've pointed out three major benefits.

1. Enhanced user experience:
   Inclusive design encourages a more positive experience for all users. Accessibility features intended for users with disabilities can also improve usability for everyone. For example, when you include features like bigger buttons and clear labels, you help not only users with disabilities but also those with temporary impairments (such as a broken arm) or in poor lighting conditions.

2. Empathy and social responsibility:
   Being empathic and addressing all users' diverse needs and abilities shows social responsibility. When a brand genuinely cares about its users, it can enhance its reputation and make its products more attractive to those who value ethical and inclusive practices.
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3. ‍Expanded user base:
   As I said previously, it's estimated that around 15% of the world's population has some form of disability. So, allowing more people to use and benefit from the product can lead to higher user engagement and greater market reach.

Don’t worry, there’s more!

Inclusive design ensures that everyone can use digital products, no matter their abilities or backgrounds, fostering a more effective and socially conscious user experience. 

Stay tuned for more on this topic, as we'll be sharing best practices for inclusive design soon. In the meantime, if you have any burning questions or want to discuss this topic further, feel free to reach out. 🚀