Inclusivity Is A Creative Power Move
- hannahoheine
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Tips, Tools & A Challenge For Doing Better
We know you’re juggling ten client projects, three iced coffees, and your deep-seated need to make that “Submit” button perfect. But real talk–If your design can’t be used by someone with a visual, cognitive, or motor impairment, it’s not done.
Design isn’t just about making things pretty, it’s about making them work. For everyone. That’s where accessibility and inclusivity come in. Not just trendy buzzwords. Actual, baseline best practices.
What Is Accessible Design, Anyway?
It’s not just “making your text bigger” or adding alt text that says “image.” (Though… do both of those.)
Accessible design means considering:
Color contrast that doesn’t blind people
Typography that doesn’t require a decoder ring
Navigation that works with keyboards and screen readers
Interactions that don’t rely solely on hover, swipe, or ninja-level coordination
Clear structure and meaningful hierarchy
It’s inclusive. It’s functional. It’s respectful.
Why Should You Care?
Because 1 in 4 adults lives with a disability. That’s a lot of eyeballs, clicks, and conversions you’re missing if your design is exclusive by default.
Also, inclusive design:
Broadens your audience
Boosts your SEO
Improves user retention
Makes your clients look good
And, let’s be real, makes you look like a pro
It’s good ethics and good business. Design that works harder = you charging more. Period.
How We Keep Accessibility Front + Center
At our studio, we don’t bolt on accessibility at the end, we bake it in from the start. Whether we’re building a brand identity or designing a website, we ask:
Can someone with limited vision read this?
Can someone using voice nav get where they need to go?
Would someone with cognitive fatigue understand this layout without crying?
We follow WCAG standards. We use contrast checkers. We name buttons with meaning. We structure content clearly. We make sure inclusive design isn’t a “feature”, it’s a foundation.
Your Design Prompt: The Inclusive Reboot
Pick one of your past designs (yes, one you’re proud of). Now audit it for accessibility.
Where does it fall short?
Could someone with low vision navigate it?
Could someone with dyslexia understand the copy?
Could someone with motor limitations fill out that form without swearing?
Then? Redesign one part with accessibility at the forefront. That could be:
A button redesign with better contrast and larger hit area
Rewriting alt text for your image-based navigation
Swapping thin, dainty fonts for something clearer
Reordering your layout to improve tabbing order
Put Money In Your Pocket & Good In The World
Pitch accessibility as part of your creative service. Most clients don’t know it’s a requirement (especially in sectors like government, education, or healthcare). Add “WCAG-compliant design” or “inclusive UX strategy” to your offerings. Not only do you get to charge more, but you also stand out from a sea of designers who are still thinking color contrast is optional.
Inclusive design is the future and creatives who lean in now will be miles ahead of the curve. So go ahead: flex your talent, sharpen your skills, and help build a web that’s welcoming, usable, and beautifully designed for everyone—one accessible button at a time.
Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!
Credits
Author: Hannah Heine
Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)
Associate Editor: Sarah Dawoud
Art: Sharon Bakas
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