Mastering Inclusive Design & UX Accessibility: A Guide to Equitable Digital Experiences

Did you know that 1.3 billion people worldwide — 1 in 6 of us experience physical disabilities, making it difficult for them to use mobile devices? That’s a vast portion of the population. However, many digital products still fail to meet their special needs. For businesses in the fintech domain, this represents not just a challenge but an opportunity to create equitable, inclusive experiences that serve everyone.

In this article, you’ll explore:

• Why accessibility and inclusivity are essential in mobile design;
• How DashDevs leads the way in inclusive fintech solutions;
• Practical steps to help you innovate and stay ahead.

What is Accessible and Inclusive Design?

Accessible and inclusive design is the creation of digital products and experiences usable by the broadest range of people, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or situational abilities.

This approach focuses on eliminating barriers that prevent interaction and ensuring everyone has equal access to digital tools, content, and services. Here is the difference between usual design, UX accessibility, and design inclusivity.

Making accessibility a part of the design process from the beginning isn’t just about meeting rules—it’s about creating products that more people can trust, love, and use. This approach in UI/UX design helps businesses build stronger connections and reach a wider audience.

Why Accessibility in UX Design Matters

The significance of UX and accessibility in digital design has intensified, driven by the following value-adding factors:

• Improved usability: Accessible design enhances usability for all users. Features like screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation not only assist users with disabilities but also improve the overall user experience.
• Expanded audience reach: Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities, representing a substantial market segment. By adopting inclusive design principles, businesses can tap into this underserved audience, broadening their reach and potential customer base.
• Increased customer loyalty and trust: A 2024 survey revealed that 76% of disabled consumers remain loyal to companies offering accessible options. Prioritizing accessibility fosters trust and loyalty among customers who value inclusivity.
• Boosted employee productivity: Inclusive internal tools enhance productivity by accommodating diverse employee needs, leading to a more efficient and harmonious workplace.
• Legal compliance: Legal challenges are on the rise. In 2023, there was a 62% increase in digital accessibility lawsuits targeting businesses using accessibility widgets or overlays on their websites, compared to 2022. This underscores the need for robust, genuinely accessible design practices rather than relying on superficial fixes. Compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1 and ADA is not optional; it’s essential to mitigate legal risks.
• Enhanced SEO benefits: Accessible websites often rank higher in search engine results due to improved structure and usability, leading to increased visibility and traffic.
• Strengthened brand reputation: Prioritizing accessibility enhances a brand’s reputation and attracts a wider audience, positioning them as socially responsible and forward-thinking.
• Competitive advantage in the market: Embracing accessibility and inclusivity differentiates businesses from competitors, positioning them as leaders in meeting diverse customer needs.

Incorporating accessibility and inclusivity into digital design is not just a legal obligation but a strategic advantage that drives usability, customer satisfaction, and business success.

Dive also into data-driven design to discover actionable strategies that bridge design and business success.

Guidelines for Accessibility and Inclusive UX Design

Accessibility guidelines must extend across all aspects of design to ensure your digital products meet the needs of diverse users. From visual elements to interaction methods and ongoing maintenance, these guidelines provide a roadmap for creating design inclusion.

Visual Design

Visual elements form the foundation of accessibility in UX design, ensuring content is perceivable and navigable for all users. Key practices include:

• High-contrast color schemes: To support users with low vision, maintain a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for text and images. Use contrast checkers to validate designs.
• Scalable text and images: Allow users to resize content and images without distortion or loss of functionality.
• Avoiding color-only indicators: Never rely solely on color to convey information; use text labels or patterns as alternatives.
• Alternative text (alt text): Provide concise descriptions for all images and icons to aid screen readers.
• Readable fonts: Use clear, sans-serif fonts and avoid decorative styles that hinder readability.

Auditory Design

Auditory content, like videos and sound alerts, must include alternatives for users with hearing impairments. Guidelines to improve auditory accessibility include:

• Captions for videos: Provide accurate subtitles to ensure all viewers understand the content.
• Text-to-speech integration: Enable text-to-speech functionality for critical information.
• Visual alerts for audio cues: Pair audio notifications with visual indicators like flashing icons.
• Adjustable volume controls: Allow users to modify or mute audio content as needed.

Navigation and Interaction

Accessibility UX navigation ensures all users, including those relying on assistive technologies, can interact seamlessly with your site. Recommendations include:

• Keyboard navigation: Enables users to complete tasks seamlessly without relying on a mouse.
• Logical tab order: Ensures a smooth and intuitive navigation flow for users, especially those using assistive tools.
• Clear touch targets: Improves usability on mobile devices, catering to users with limited dexterity or precision.

Voice control integration for both iOS and Android platforms allows users with mobility impairments to navigate apps and perform tasks effortlessly. Built-in features such as Siri Shortcuts and Google Assistant significantly enhance accessibility.

Content Structure and Clarity

Content accessibility revolves around making information simple to understand and navigate. Guidelines for clarity include:

• Simple language: Write clear, concise content that avoids jargon.
• Headings and lists: Structure content with headings and bulleted lists for quick scanning.
• Breadcrumb trails: Help users navigate complex websites by showing their current location.
• Descriptive links and buttons: Use meaningful labels that convey the purpose of the action, e.g., “Submit Payment” instead of “Click Here.”

Assistive Technology Compatibility

With billions relying on assistive technologies, ensuring compatibility is critical. Best practices include:

Incorporate status messages to provide real-time feedback, such as “3 results found” after a search query.

Feedback and Error Handling

Accessible feedback systems ensure users understand and resolve issues. Guidelines include:

• Clear error messages: Provide detailed explanations and steps to fix errors.
• Action confirmations: Notify users of successful actions like completed payments.
• Multi-modal feedback: Combine visual, auditory, and haptic cues to accommodate diverse needs.

Inclusive and Flexible User Options

Offering customization ensures users can tailor their experience to their preferences. Flexible options include:

• Customizable themes and layouts: Allow users to adjust colors, text sizes, and interface layouts.
• Adjustable content pace: Enable users to control how quickly content, such as slideshows, progresses.
• Pause/stop interactive content: Provide options to pause animations or auto-playing media.

Accessibility Testing and Maintenance

Accessibility isn’t a one-time effort—it requires ongoing testing and updates to remain effective. Best practices include:

• Regular accessibility audits: Use tools like Axe or WAVE to identify and fix accessibility gaps.
• Involve real users: Engage individuals with disabilities to test usability and provide feedback.
• Team training: Continuously educate design and development teams on the latest accessibility standards and practices.

By following these guidelines, businesses can create inclusive digital products that enhance usability, expand market reach, and demonstrate a commitment to equity and innovation.

Read also about website performance optimization through mobile-first design and other strategies to learn practical tips for creating faster, user-friendly websites.

Shortcuts for Enhanced Accessibility

Shortcuts simplify navigation and improve efficiency for all users, particularly those relying on assistive technologies.

• Customizable keyboard shortcuts: Allow users to perform common tasks quickly, such as navigating menus or submitting forms.
• Gesture shortcuts for mobile devices: Implement swipe or tap patterns for quick actions like returning to the homepage or adjusting settings.
• Voice-activated shortcuts: Integrate with virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant for hands-free operation.

For example, a fintech app might streamline user interactions by using voice commands like “Check balance” or “Send payment.”

Virtual Assistants and AI Integration

Virtual assistants play a critical role in accessibility by offering users hands-free, voice-controlled interactions. These tools improve accessibility in the following ways:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Allowing users to ask questions or perform tasks in their own words, improving usability for those with limited technical skills.
• Task automation: Simplifying complex processes like account setup or transaction tracking through guided assistance.
• Integration with platforms: Enabling compatibility with devices like smart speakers or virtual assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa).

For example, integrating a virtual assistant into a mobile banking app can help users transfer funds or check statements simply by asking, “What’s my account balance?”

How We Incorporate the Accessibility Approach in Our Work

At DashDevs, we integrate inclusivity into every project we work on. Here are two examples showcasing how we prioritized accessibility and inclusivity to create impactful fintech solutions.

#1 Digital Bank: Accessible mobile experiences

In developing a digital banking platform, inclusivity was our guiding principle. We designed the app with specific considerations for usability, cultural relevance, and accessibility to cater to a diverse audience.

Key features:

• Language localization: The platform supports both English and Arabic, ensuring seamless usability across regions. To maintain intuitive navigation and readability, we implemented a right-to-left (RTL) layout for Arabic.
• Color contrasts: We used high-contrast color schemes to enhance readability for users with visual impairments, adhering to WCAG guidelines.
• Epilepsy-friendly design: To ensure safety, we avoided animations that could trigger seizures. Instead, the design relied on subtle, shaded transitions to maintain engagement without compromising health.
• Dark mode support: The app includes a dark mode option with carefully shaded tones to reduce eye strain and accommodate users who prefer low-light environments.

This approach resulted in an accessible, user-friendly banking app that resonates with a global audience while meeting accessibility standards.

#2 Keen: Voice-Enabled Financial Guidance

Keen is an application that aims to assist individuals in making better everyday decisions. The app connects users with advisors for consultations at an established price through phone calls or other communication channels. It also offers free access to personalized horoscopes and hobby-related content, making it a versatile and engaging platform.

Key features:

• Voice navigation: Advanced voice-over capabilities allow hands-free interaction, enabling users to navigate the app, connect with advisors, and access content with simple voice commands.
• Specialized fonts and sizes: Keen uses carefully selected, accessible fonts and customizable text sizes, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments or different preferences.
• Natural language interaction: For instance, they could inquire, “What’s my daily horoscope?” or “How do I schedule a call with an advisor?” And they will receive spoken responses in real-time.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The app integrates seamlessly with iOS and Android voice assistants, making it accessible across multiple devices.

These case studies reflect our commitment to creating inclusive fintech solutions that meet diverse user needs. Whether it’s accommodating different languages and abilities or leveraging voice technology, DashDevs ensures every project is as inclusive as it is impactful.

Closing Thoughts

Accessibility and inclusive design are essential for creating digital solutions that serve diverse audiences and drive meaningful impact. Whether through inclusive navigation, voice-enabled interactions, or thoughtful visual design, ensuring your products are accessible benefits both users and businesses. At DashDevs, we make inclusivity a cornerstone of every project, helping clients build products that are equitable, user-friendly, and compliant with global standards.

If you’re ready to prioritize accessibility in your fintech solutions, we’re here to help. With 80+ mobile apps delivered, DashDevs will guide you in designing and implementing UX accessibility that empowers every user.

Contact us