Technology today opens up many possibilities to engage with all types of people in ways that work for them. Creating accessible websites doesn’t have to be limited to meeting legal requirements and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Real accessibility goes beyond large fonts, and adding alt text to images. Accessibility done well can increase user experiences and engagement. A 2023 study by Forbes found that 57% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that prioritise accessibility.
At its core, accessibility is about considering every user’s experience and driving innovation forward. Did you know that abbreviations that everyone under a certain age uses, like “lol” and “brb” originated in the deaf community (Rosenblum, 2000)?
What are you doing to drive innovation and ensure your site provides a user-friendly experience for everyone?
References
Forbes. (2023). The business case for accessibility: Why it matters more than ever. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com
Rosenblum, H. (2000). The deaf community and the internet. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 5(4), 266-277. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/5.4.266
Great reminder to consider everyone when designing for the web. I did not know that about ‘lol’ and ‘brb’, thanks for sharing. I always consider contrast when designing and I also run my site over an accessibility checker to help identify areas for improvement. I have lots more to learn and understand about creating more engaging accessible websites.
An accessibility checker is a great start Sue. Do you have a favourite one you use?
Thought provoking, looking forward to hearing more