Product development and user experience (UX) incorporating inclusive design features is crucial for promoting social fairness and giving businesses a smart advantage.
For example, adding audio guides to websites for people who have trouble hearing makes it easier for everyone to use the products and services.
One survey from Microsoft shows that in the United States, 49% of Generation Z consumers ceased buying from a brand that did not align with their values.
We live in a more and more digital world every day. With new things being made all the time, we need to make sure that everyone is included. In typography and design, this means nobody is left behind. Clear and accessible text, mindful of diverse reading abilities, contributes to a more inclusive digital experience for everyone.
What’s inclusive design?
According to Cambridge University, the development of mainstream products and services strives to achieve accessibility and usability for a wide audience, without the need for special adjustments or specialised design.
In essence, each design choice holds the power to either include or exclude customers.
Inclusive design involves making well-informed decisions by gaining a deeper understanding of user diversity, encompassing differences in capabilities, needs, and aspirations. This approach ensures the inclusion of as many people as possible.
Why does Inclusive UX Design Matter?
Inclusive design holds significant importance for several reasons:
1. Accessibility for All
Inclusive design aims to make products and services accessible to people of all abilities and disabilities. This includes individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and other impairments.
By considering diverse needs, designers create solutions that can be used by a broader audience.
2. Diverse User Perspectives
People have different experiences, backgrounds, and abilities. Inclusive design acknowledges this diversity and incorporates various perspectives into the design process.
This leads to solutions that better meet the needs of a diverse user base.
3. Market Expansion
An inclusive approach expands the potential market for products and services.
When designs consider a wide range of users, they can cater to a larger customer base, including individuals with specific needs that might not be addressed by non-inclusive designs.
4. Ethical Considerations
Inclusivity is fundamentally an ethical consideration. Designing with empathy and understanding for all users is a way to promote fairness and equal opportunities.
It reflects a commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
5. User-Centred Design
The inclusive design aligns with the user-centred design principles, where the focus is on the end-user and their needs. By incorporating diverse user feedback throughout the design process, the resulting products and services are more user-friendly and effective.
6. Future-Proofing
As technology evolves, so do user needs and expectations. Inclusive design future-proofs products and services by considering potential changes in demographics, technological advancements, and societal shifts.
7. Positive Brand Image
Organisations that prioritise inclusivity often cultivate a positive brand image. Customers appreciate businesses that show a commitment to social responsibility and inclusiveness, and this can enhance brand loyalty and reputation.
The Difference Between Inclusive and Accessible in UX Design
In UX design, accessibility and inclusivity are related concepts but address different aspects of user experience.
Accessibility in UX Design:
Accessibility in UX design focuses on making products and services usable for people with disabilities. This includes considerations for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
The goal is to remove barriers and provide equal access to information and functionality.
Examples of accessible design elements include providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation, and using readable fonts and colour contrasts.
Inclusivity in UX Design:
Inclusivity in UX design goes beyond addressing specific disabilities. It involves creating a design that considers a diverse range of users, including those from various cultural backgrounds, age groups, and socio-economic conditions.
Inclusivity aims to cater to the needs and preferences of a broad user base, ensuring that the design is welcoming and effective for everyone.
This might involve offering multiple language options, considering different literacy levels, and acknowledging diverse cultural norms.
Key Differences:
1. Scope:
Accessibility is specifically targeted at users with disabilities, ensuring that they can interact with the product or service.
Inclusivity has a broader scope, considering the needs and preferences of all users, regardless of their background or abilities.
2. Approach:
Accessibility often involves adhering to specific standards (e.g., WCAG for web accessibility) and implementing features that accommodate users with disabilities.
Inclusivity focuses on creating a design that is welcoming and effective for a diverse audience, which may involve considering cultural nuances and preferences.
3. User Groups:
Accessibility is particularly relevant for users with disabilities, such as those with visual or hearing impairments.
Inclusivity aims to cater to a broad range of users, including those from different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and abilities.
Benefits of Inclusive UX Design for Business
Here are the business benefits of inclusive UX design:
1. Expanded Reach
Inclusive UX design broadens the potential customer base, making products and services accessible to a diverse audience, and ultimately attracting new customers.
2. Enhanced Satisfaction
By addressing a wide range of user needs, inclusive design contributes to higher user satisfaction, fostering positive experiences and customer loyalty.
3. Positive Brand Image
Prioritising inclusivity in UX design builds a positive brand image, showcasing a commitment to diversity and accessibility, and enhancing overall brand perception.
4. Increased Competitiveness
In an environment where user experience is crucial, businesses prioritising inclusive design gain a competitive edge, attracting and retaining customers through a positive and accessible user experience.
Final Thoughts
Embracing inclusive design is not just about meeting standards; it's about creating a digital world where everyone is included.
At VirtualSpirit Team, we believe in the power of inclusive design to transform experiences and drive business success.
Let's work together to create products and UX designs that leave no one behind, fostering a digital landscape that is not just accessible but truly inclusive.
Contact us today to embark on a journey towards a more inclusive and user-friendly future.
