Accessibility Considerations for Retail User Experience

One billion people experience disabilities.  As merchants, we talk about serving customers yet design systems that restrict many from even shopping.  This not only hampers sales but fails basic ethical standards. Common obstacles that lock out users:   - Tiny/low contrast text that visual disabilities cannot decipher - Pages without alt text descriptions excluding the visually impaired  - Keyboard limitations hampering those without touch capability The solutions exist through inclusive e-commerce design.  Optimizing for accessibility is proven to increase conversion rates while expanding market reach. Standards like WCAG outline the building blocks:  - Add explanatory alt text for images - Structure logical page layouts   - Ensure color contrast  - Allow keyboard navigation This should be table stakes, not a "nice-to-have."  Equity in commerce will become the next competitive frontier.

I’ve been getting more requests for “accessible” brand and website design, where visuals, colors, and layouts are optimized for people of all abilities. Unfortunately, accessibility is often treated as a checkbox rather than a genuine commitment. Some organizations rush into changes for appearances, without fully understanding how to create an experience that truly benefits all users. Instead of treating accessibility as a checkbox, I recommend… → Understanding your community’s diverse readability and usability needs → Having an honest conversation with your team around what it’ll take to be – and maintain – WCAG compliance (remember there are 3 levels: A, AA, or AAA) → Involving users with disabilities to review your brand and test your site for insights automated tools might miss → Running accessibility audits monthly using tools like Wave or Axe, and have a plan for how to address their recommendations The truth is, building an accessible brand or website impacts more than just design. It requires additional effort from your team—training in accessible design, testing and reworking copy for readability, adding alt text to images, user testing, frequent accessibility audits, and much more to consider. Have you felt this shift, too?

Accessibility isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s not just about checking a box; it’s about creating inclusive experiences that work for everyone. Here’s how designers can advocate for accessibility without it feeling like an afterthought: 1️⃣ Build accessibility into the design process Accessibility isn’t a last-minute QA step—it’s a design choice. Start integrating it early with tools like: ↳ Stark: Check contrast ratios directly in Figma. ↳ Axe: Test designs for screen readers and other assistive technologies. When accessibility is part of your process, you can avoid costly fixes later by building more inclusive products from the start. 2️⃣ Show the business case Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business. Here’s how: ↳ Better usability: Designs that are accessible for some are often easier to use for all. ↳ Legal compliance: Avoid lawsuits and ensure your designs meet standards like WCAG. ↳ Broader audience reach: Accessible designs open your product to millions of users who might otherwise be excluded. 3️⃣ Educate stakeholders Not everyone understands the impact of inaccessible design. Help make the issue tangible by: ↳ Sharing examples of real-world accessibility challenges (e.g., unreadable text or confusing navigation). ↳ Explaining how inaccessible designs exclude people—and how inclusive design benefits everyone. 4️⃣ Lead by example As designers, we set the tone. Advocate for accessibility by incorporating best practices into your work: ↳ Add alt text for images and icons. ↳ Design with keyboard navigation in mind. ↳ Use clear hierarchies to guide users, especially those relying on assistive devices. Don’t stop at theory. Test your designs with real users, including those who rely on assistive technologies. (The best insights come from real feedback.) Accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s a commitment to inclusion, usability, and good design. What’s your favorite way to advocate for accessibility? Share below! 👇 #accessibility #inclusion #uxdesign #leadership #innovation #designstrategy #uxui #designtools ---------------- 👋 Hi, I'm Dane—I share daily design tools & tips. ❤️ If you found this helpful, consider liking it. 🔄 Want to help others? Consider reposting. ➕ For more like this, consider following me.