The power of design for accessibility.

Designing for Accessibility: A Necessary Step Towards Inclusivity in Product Design

As technology continues to dominate every facet of modern life, the conversation surrounding accessibility in product design has evolved from a peripheral concern to an urgent necessity. Imagine navigating a cutting-edge smartphone with tiny text that’s nearly impossible to read or using a public transport app that doesn’t consider the needs of individuals with limited mobility. These aren’t just inconveniences; they’re barriers that exclude people from participating in everyday life. And they highlight a central truth: accessibility in design is not a luxury—it’s an obligation.

In a time when inclusivity is no longer optional, designing products that cater to all users, regardless of their abilities, has shifted from being a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have.” This article delves into why accessibility matters in product design, the obstacles designers face, and how universal design is not only breaking barriers but also driving innovation that benefits all users.

Why Accessibility Should Be a Priority

Accessibility in product design is far more than a box to check for compliance—it’s about creating experiences that everyone can engage with and enjoy. Accessible design is not simply a legal or moral requirement, though laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. and the Equality Act 2010 in the UK compel companies to be inclusive. It’s also about expanding the reach of a product and ensuring that no one is excluded.

Take smartphones as an example. Modern devices come equipped with accessibility features like voice commands, screen readers, and customisable interfaces. These features make the devices usable for people with disabilities, but they also serve a wider audience. For individuals with aging eyes or those in noisy environments, larger text or text-to-speech functions are game changers. This dual purpose shows that accessibility benefits far more than just a specific group—it enhances the overall user experience.

But there’s more at play. Accessibility is also about improving design in ways that push products to be better for everyone. By focusing on diverse needs, companies often uncover innovative features that can appeal to a broader audience.

European Legislation: A Legal Imperative for Inclusivity

In Europe, accessibility in product design is not just about ethical responsibility—it’s increasingly driven by law. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which took effect in 2025, mandates that products and services across the EU must be accessible to people with disabilities. From public transportation systems to websites and mobile apps, the EAA requires businesses to implement accessibility measures that ensure products and services are usable by all.

This legislative push goes beyond just legal compliance. It’s about making inclusivity the norm, and it’s pushing companies to innovate. For example, businesses must now design digital platforms that are compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and speech recognition tools. Not only does this help ensure equal access for all, but it also opens the door to a previously untapped market—millions of people with disabilities across Europe.

Additionally, the Web Accessibility Directive mandates that all public sector websites and mobile apps meet strict accessibility standards. This law has become a key driver in the push for inclusive design, forcing companies to embrace a more diverse range of users. And it’s not just a matter of avoiding fines—it’s a competitive advantage, as businesses that prioritise accessibility stand to gain loyalty from a broad customer base.

The Struggles of Inclusive Design

While the push for accessibility is gaining momentum, product designers still face several challenges in creating truly inclusive products. Here are some of the most pressing obstacles:

1. Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

In the design world, aesthetics often reign supreme. Yet, the inclusion of accessibility features can sometimes clash with the sleek, minimalist designs that many consumers have come to expect. Consider smartphones: although accessibility features like large buttons, screen readers, and voice control are invaluable, they can sometimes detract from the clean, modern aesthetic that many users desire.

However, the solution lies in finding harmony between functionality and design. For instance, the Xbox Adaptive Controller, created for gamers with limited mobility, combines simplicity with flexibility. The design of the controller is minimalist, offering customisability through attachable buttons, switches, and joysticks. What it proves is that accessibility and design can—and should—coexist.

2. Resource Constraints and Knowledge Gaps

Another significant challenge is that many product teams lack the specialised knowledge necessary to implement accessible design. For companies to meet the needs of diverse users, they must engage in thorough research, collaborate with experts, and involve the disabled community in the design process. However, this type of research is time-consuming, expensive, and often seen as a lower priority.

Despite these hurdles, the results of such investment are undeniable. Research-driven design, like that used to create adaptive products such as footwear tailored for healthcare workers, makes a tangible difference. But for many companies, the upfront costs and time investments remain a barrier.

3. The Complexities of Diverse User Needs

Every disability is different. A design that works well for someone with a visual impairment may not meet the needs of someone with hearing loss or limited dexterity. The key is creating adaptable, flexible solutions. Universal design doesn’t aim to create a one-size-fits-all product; instead, it strives to offer a range of solutions that can be customised to fit various needs.

4. Technological Limitations

Despite significant advances in accessibility technology, the tools available are not without their flaws. For example, voice recognition software can be invaluable for those with limited mobility, allowing them to control devices hands-free. But this technology often struggles with background noise or accents, making it less reliable for many users.

Take smart home assistants, which offer a hands-free solution for users with mobility impairments. While incredibly useful, these devices are not always perfect in understanding varied accents or dialects. This gap in technology limits the full potential of accessibility features and presents a challenge for developers working to create more inclusive products.

5. The Cost Conundrum

One of the most persistent myths about accessible design is that it’s prohibitively expensive. While certain accessibility features may add to production costs, the long-term benefits far outweigh these initial investments. Accessibility can open up new markets and boost consumer loyalty. With more than a billion people living with some form of disability worldwide, designing for this demographic is not just ethically right—it’s also a savvy business decision.

Universal Design: Redefining Innovation

At the heart of accessibility lies universal design—an approach that seeks to create products usable by the broadest possible range of people, regardless of their abilities. Universal design goes beyond creating simply “accessible” products; it aims to design inclusively, ensuring that products are functional for everyone.

For instance, ergonomic kitchen tools designed to ease the strain for those with limited hand strength have become widely popular among people of all abilities. These products, originally intended for individuals with arthritis, now serve a broad customer base. The underlying principle of universal design is clear: inclusivity not only benefits a targeted group but often creates a better product for everyone.

Similarly, voice-controlled technology, such as home assistants, is widely used for its convenience by individuals with limited mobility. But it’s also used by anyone who prefers a hands-free method of controlling their environment. This adaptability exemplifies universal design in action.

The Ripple Effect: How Accessibility Enhances the Experience for All

One of the most powerful aspects of accessible design is that it often improves the experience for everyone. A product designed with accessibility in mind tends to be more intuitive, easier to use, and more adaptable for a wide range of users. For instance, closed captioning, initially created for individuals with hearing impairments, is now widely used by people in noisy environments or when they need to watch content without sound. This is just one example of how accessibility innovations can have far-reaching benefits.

Conclusion: Accessibility as a Catalyst for Innovation

As the world moves toward a more inclusive future, product designers must view accessibility as an opportunity, not an obstacle. Accessibility drives innovation—it opens the door to creative solutions that enhance products for everyone. By considering the diverse needs of users and designing products that accommodate them, designers have the chance to unlock new possibilities, enhance user experiences, and make products that truly serve everyone.

As legislation continues to mandate greater inclusivity, companies are under increasing pressure to integrate accessibility into the heart of their designs. This isn’t just a matter of compliance—it’s about reshaping the future of design. In an increasingly digital world, where participation is key, accessible design is the gateway to ensuring that no one is left behind. The future isn’t just about designing for the few—it’s about designing for everyone.