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Your digital product might be functional, but is it truly inclusive?
Many companies unintentionally exclude users due to poor design choices. Whether it’s an e-commerce platform that’s hard to navigate for visually impaired users or a travel app that doesn’t account for non-binary gender options, exclusion equals lost revenue.
Inclusive design isn’t just an ethical responsibility, it’s a business strategy. By ensuring your product works for as many people as possible, you can increase your audience, boost customer loyalty, and open new revenue streams.
What Is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive design is about building digital products that work for people of all abilities, backgrounds, and needs. It’s not just about accessibility for users with disabilities (though that’s a big part of it), it also includes cultural, economic, and situational factors.
Key Principles of Inclusive Design
- Provide multiple ways to interact – Some users rely on voice commands, while others prefer touch or keyboard navigation.
- Design for diverse needs – Consider age, language, disabilities, and temporary impairments (like a broken arm or low-light environments).
- Avoid assumptions – Just because something works for you doesn’t mean it works for everyone.
Why Inclusive Design is a Business Advantage
1. Expands Your Customer Base
- 1 in 4 U.S. adults has a disability. That’s 61 million potential users who could struggle with a poorly designed product.
- Companies that invest in inclusive design can tap into overlooked markets, like aging populations or international audiences.
2. Increases Revenue
- Brands that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity see higher customer retention and brand loyalty.
- The disability market alone is worth over $1 trillion globally. Ignoring this audience means leaving money on the table.
3. Reduces Legal and Reputation Risks
- Companies like Domino’s have faced lawsuits for failing to make their digital platforms accessible.
- Investing in inclusive design upfront is cheaper than dealing with lawsuits, negative PR, and lost customers later.
Practical Ways to Make Your Digital Product More Inclusive
- Use High-Contrast Colors – Helps users with low vision or color blindness.
- Add Alternative Text for Images – Essential for screen reader users.
- Include Translations and Localization – Supports a global audience.
- Design with Flexible Forms – Include options beyond binary gender and allow varied name formats.
- Test with Diverse Users – Don’t assume your team represents all users, conduct usability testing with people of different abilities and backgrounds.
Inclusivity is the Future
The most successful digital products are designed for everyone. Inclusive design isn’t an afterthought, it’s a competitive advantage. By removing barriers, you can attract more users, improve engagement, and increase revenue.
