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DCT Technology Pvt. Ltd.
DCT Technology Pvt. Ltd.

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Inclusive UX: Designing for the 15% of Users Everyone Ignores

#a11y #webdev #uxdesign #seo

When was the last time you thought about users who can’t see, hear, or interact with your website the way you intended?

Most of us design with speed, aesthetics, and conversions in mind—but there’s a quiet 15% of users (globally) who often get left behind.

That’s almost 1 in 6 people you’re ignoring, just because accessibility wasn’t a priority.

Now here’s the kicker:
Designing inclusively isn’t just about empathy—it’s also about better SEO, stronger conversions, and reaching millions of untapped users.

So let’s dive into how you can design for everyone without breaking your workflow.

Why Inclusive UX Matters

  • Over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. (WHO Report)
  • Search engines reward accessible websites because they’re easier to crawl and understand.
  • Inclusive design improves usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

Think about captions on videos. Originally designed for people with hearing impairments, they’re now loved by everyone scrolling on mute.

Common Barriers Users Face

Here are a few ways we unintentionally block 15% of our audience:

  • Tiny text and poor color contrast that make content unreadable.
  • Navigation that works only with a mouse but not with a keyboard.
  • Images without alt text, leaving screen reader users in the dark.
  • Popups and modals that trap users without an easy exit.

Practical Tips to Design for Everyone

If you’re wondering, “Okay, how do I start?” — here are some actionable fixes:

  1. Use Semantic HTML 
   <button type="submit">Submit Form</button>
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Instead of using a <div> styled as a button, stick to semantic elements. It’s better for both accessibility and SEO.

  1. Add Alt Text to Images
    Descriptive alt text isn’t just for accessibility—it’s also a ranking factor in Google Image Search.
    → Resource: WebAIM’s Alt Text Guide

  2. Check Your Color Contrast
    Tools like Contrast Checker help ensure your text is readable for users with low vision.

  3. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
    Can you move through your site using only the Tab key? If not, it’s time for some cleanup.

   :focus {
     outline: 2px solid #4A90E2;
   }
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  1. Use ARIA Wisely ARIA attributes can enhance accessibility—but don’t overuse them. Start here: MDN ARIA Guide.

Bonus: Accessibility Testing Tools You’ll Love

  • Lighthouse – built into Chrome DevTools.
  • axe DevTools – browser extension for audits.
  • Wave – easy-to-use visual accessibility tool.

Why This Helps More Than Just Accessibility

Inclusive UX leads to:

  • Better SEO (search engines understand your site more easily).
  • Wider audience reach (users with disabilities, mobile users, aging populations).
  • Higher engagement (people stay when they feel understood).

In short: Good accessibility = Good business.

Your Turn 🚀

What’s the first accessibility improvement you’ll make to your site today?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what challenges you face or tools you use.

And if you found this useful, follow DCT Technology for more insights on web development, design, SEO, and IT consulting.

#Accessibility #WebDevelopment #UXDesign #SEO #Frontend #Backend #AppDevelopment #InclusiveDesign #WebDev #DevCommunity #CloudComputing #TechForGood

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