Design Accessible Experiences

Designing accessible experiences means intentionally creating user interfaces, interactions, and flows that can be used equitably by people with disabilities. This includes considering a range of impairments (e.g., visual, auditory, cognitive, motor, speech) and ensuring the design works with assistive technologies, follows inclusive patterns, and avoids introducing unnecessary complexity or barriers.

Role in the ENABLE Model

This is the third stage in the ENABLE model. Design is where abstract requirements become concrete interfaces -- often the moment where equity is either encoded or denied. Inclusive design prevents downstream compensations by ensuring the product is inherently usable, not retrofitted.

Why Design Matters

Design decisions shape whether someone can use a product in the first place. Poor design choices can force users with disabilities to navigate more complex paths, rely on assistive tools to compensate, or abandon a product altogether. Accessible design isn't just about compliance -- it's about respect, usability, and autonomy.

Examples

• Using sufficient color contrast and avoiding color-only indicators
• Designing large, well-spaced clickable targets for users with motor disabilities
• Ensuring focus states are clearly visible
• Avoiding rapid animation or motion that may cause vestibular issues
• Presenting instructions and labels clearly
• Using consistent layout and predictable patterns

Care sounds like

"We must design a speech interface that is usable by people who stutter."
"We've built keyboard navigation into every interactive element."
"Let's test this flow without a mouse to ensure it works."
"We designed this form to be navigable by screen reader users."

Neglect sounds like

"The devs can make it accessible later."
"We only designed for the average user."
"Screen readers will figure it out, right?"
"It's not our job to fix accessibility -- just to make it look good."

Real-world Scenario

A ride-sharing app's design relies entirely on map-based interaction. Users must drag and drop a pin to confirm pickup -- there's no way to enter an address via keyboard or screen reader. This design excludes users with motor and visual impairments, forcing them to rely on others or abandon the app. Had the designers considered alternative input methods and inclusive flows from the start, the experience could have supported a broader user base without requiring compensation.

Manifestations

• Nike studies its hands-free FlyEase mechanisms to build shoes that users can step into when tying laces is a barrier, demonstrating inclusive design in consumer products.
• OXO Good Grips adopts universal-design handles for kitchenware, ensuring new utensils are grip-friendly for arthritic users.
• Landscape Structures specifies ramped decks and sensory panels so new playgrounds launch inclusive from day one, illustrating inclusive design for public spaces.