Why Is Accessibility So Important In Design?

In 2020, the NHS redesigned their website, placing accessibility at the forefront of their design strategy. Their accessibility statement details multiple features that can be used to enhance the user experience, from colour adjustments to keyboard-only navigation. Not only have they improved the accessibility of their website, but they have also been transparent about how accessible it is, where its design falls short, and what they are doing to improve.

Why is the NHS example important?

Well, we must first understand what accessibility in design is:

Accessible design refers to the clarity and ease of navigation of websites and apps. Its primary aim is to simplify the digital space for people of all abilities, making it more inclusive and user-friendly.

In a constantly evolving digital world, the NHS redesign demonstrates the importance of adapting and prioritising your consumers through an accessible and transparent approach to design. Their achievements so far illustrate the effectiveness of their current strategy and serve as a model for other companies to follow.

In this blog post, our in-house digital experts explore why accessible design can be key to achieving a variety of goals, from building strong consumer relationships to expanding your online reach.

Exploring the Benefits of Accessible Design: What should you be considering?

Legal responsibility

Designing for accessibility is a legal obligation for businesses with an online presence. Your company and its operations will determine the guidelines you need to follow, but there are general laws that you should be following to help you avoid legal issues.

Following these guidelines is a great first step to achieving accessibility. It also shows the professionalism of your company and the value that you place on your consumers and their online experience with your brand.

Ethical considerations

Your business also needs to be socially responsible. This means being inclusive to individuals of all abilities when creating your designs. By showing respect and consideration for your target audience, you will help create positive user experiences and build a strong community around your brand.

Broad market reach

Making your designs more accessible will help to expand your reach to a larger audience. This can be done by ensuring that your designs aren’t overcrowded with content. A sleek design is not only practical for those with disabilities or impairments but can also reflect a more professional image.

You should also prioritise accessibility in the design of your social media graphics. With social media’s global reach and impact, your brand may connect with new or wider audiences. Carefully select fonts and make sure any background colour has sufficient contrast with the text. This will make your social content easier for people to engage with.

For all online users, simpler designs can make your content easier to read and digest. Simplicity can include the use of clear fonts, easy-to-navigate layouts, and avoiding overuse of colour and patterns. Not only does this make it accessible, but it can also improve user experiences for lasting positive engagement. Rest assured, simple doesn’t mean boring—just ask our designers.

Community-building

By promoting inclusivity through your brand's design, you are showing your target audience that their best interests are valuable to you and your business. This is a great way to build a loyal and trusting community. It also shows that you go the extra mile, which will help to maximise your long-term engagement and gain a competitive advantage.

Improved Search Rankings

Accessible designs offer many SEO benefits. Search engines recognise accessible websites for their improved user experiences, such as the inclusion of headings and alt text on images. This allows your site to rank higher on search engines, increasing the visibility of your brand.

If you’re interested in improving the accessibility of your designs, our experts can help, no matter your size, goal or sector. We offer bespoke website design and graphic design solutions to align with your every need. All you have to do is get in touch with our Sheffield web designers today!