Accessibility isn't an afterthought — it's where design begins. From the very first wireframe to the final UI polish, I ask one thing: can everyone use this with ease?
Why Accessibility Matters
Imagine building a beautiful space, but forgetting the front door ramp. That’s what neglecting accessibility in design looks like. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about respect, inclusion, and clarity.
Accessible design ensures more people can engage with your product: users with vision differences, motor limitations, cognitive processing differences, or even someone just using a phone one-handed on a bright day.
The Power of Simplicity
Complexity is the enemy of clarity. When you simplify — structure, content, navigation — you create a flow that feels natural. Users don’t want to learn your interface; they want to use it without friction.
Real-World Example: Apple iOS
Apple doesn’t sacrifice visual appeal for accessibility — it merges the two. From text size scaling to clear iconography and intuitive gestures, iOS shows how design can guide, not confuse. Their attention to contrast, haptics, and voice features sets a global benchmark.
Homescreen Design: Apple’s Accessibility Focus
Apple doesn't burden users with a static homescreen; instead, the user is directed straight to their apps or utilities. This minimizes friction and streamlines the user experience. However, the ability to change this in the settings allows customization, giving users more control.
When tapping the phone, you’re immediately greeted with the dialer, favorites, and search in one place — this simple and efficient design principle reduces cognitive load and improves usability.
Real-World Example: PhonePe
PhonePe’s recent update focused on accessibility, especially around the scanner feature. Previously, the scanner was located at the top of the app, but in the latest update, it’s now larger and more accessible, ensuring it’s easier for users who are making quick payments. The app's updated layout significantly improves ease of use, especially when the user is holding their phone with one hand.
Accessibility Before UI
Prioritizing accessibility early in the process influences every decision that follows. Typography, spacing, interactive elements — they all serve usability first. Only then does the visual design enhance the experience.
Design should feel right to everyone. When we begin with accessibility, the result is cleaner, smarter, and often more beautiful because it's functional at its core.
Things to Watch Out For
- Check contrast ratios — always aim for readability.
- Use semantic HTML for better screen reader support.
- Provide alt text for images, and label buttons properly.
- Make sure elements are easily tappable on mobile.
- Keep layouts responsive and avoid absolute-fixed elements that break on smaller screens.
Why I Believe This Matters
I’ve seen how accessible-first design unlocks better thinking. It forces me to focus, to justify every element. Accessibility strips away excess and demands intent. It’s not just good ethics — it’s good design.
When people feel like a product was built with them in mind, they stay longer, engage deeper, and trust more. Isn’t that what design should do?