Marjorie Ngoupende
Designer UX/UI - Accessibilité
Why Inclusive Design is Essential in 2025
Hello everyone! I'm Marjorie Ngoupende, a UX/UI designer specialized in digital accessibility. Today, I'm discussing a topic close to my heart: inclusive design. In 2025, ignoring digital inclusion is no longer an option.
Here's why.
What Exactly is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive design means creating interfaces that everyone can use, regardless of age, disability, or context. In simpler terms, it's designing for everyone, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital world.
Why Does It Matter So Much Today?
In 2025, according to WHO, over a billion people worldwide have a disability, not to mention an aging population. Ignoring these users means missing out on a huge audience.
But beyond numbers, inclusive design is about ethics and empathy. Who would willingly create a product that systematically excludes certain people? Certainly not me!
Inspiring Examples of Digital Accessibility
Apple's Continued Commitment
Take Apple, for example. They're pioneers in accessibility. Products like the iPhone come standard with inclusive features like VoiceOver (screen reading), voice control, and adjustable displays. This has become an expected standard, showing that inclusivity is a competitive advantage.
Netflix's Enhanced User Experience
Netflix, another great example, popularized audio descriptions and adapted subtitles. Initially aimed at people who are deaf or visually impaired, these features also benefit everyone (like watching shows in public transit or learning new languages). Inclusion enriches everyone's user experience!
But beyond numbers, inclusive design is about ethics and empathy. Who would willingly create a product that systematically excludes certain people? Certainly not me!
"
"
Why Inclusive Design is Essential in 2025
Hello everyone! I'm Marjorie Ngoupende, a UX/UI designer specialized in digital accessibility. Today, I'm discussing a topic close to my heart: inclusive design. In 2025, ignoring digital inclusion is no longer an option.
Here's why.
What Exactly is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive design means creating interfaces that everyone can use, regardless of age, disability, or context. In simpler terms, it's designing for everyone, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital world.
Why Does It Matter So Much Today?
In 2025, according to WHO, over a billion people worldwide have a disability, not to mention an aging population. Ignoring these users means missing out on a huge audience.
But beyond numbers, inclusive design is about ethics and empathy. Who would willingly create a product that systematically excludes certain people? Certainly not me!
Inspiring Examples of Digital Accessibility
Apple's Continued Commitment
Take Apple, for example. They're pioneers in accessibility. Products like the iPhone come standard with inclusive features like VoiceOver (screen reading), voice control, and adjustable displays. This has become an expected standard, showing that inclusivity is a competitive advantage.
Netflix's Enhanced User Experience
Netflix, another great example, popularized audio descriptions and adapted subtitles. Initially aimed at people who are deaf or visually impaired, these features also benefit everyone (like watching shows in public transit or learning new languages). Inclusion enriches everyone's user experience!
3 Simple Rules to Make Your Design Inclusive
Here are three practical tips to apply immediately:
1. Contrast and Readability
Colors should provide enough contrast for comfortable reading, even for those with visual impairments. Use tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your designs.
2. Simplified Navigation
A clear interface and simple navigation benefit everyone. Follow the "3-click rule": any user should reach the desired information within three clicks maximum.
3. Keyboard Accessibility
Ensure your website or app can be navigated entirely by keyboard, essential for users who can't use a mouse. Try navigating your interface using only the keyboard—you might be surprised!
Essential Resources to Explore Further
Keep these useful resources handy:
● WCAG 2.2: the essential guide to international accessibility standards. ● Inclusive Design Toolkit: comprehensive toolkit for integrating inclusivity into your design process.
● A11Y Project: regularly updated accessibility resources from an engaged community.
Inclusive Design: An Opportunity Worth Taking
It's 2025, and attitudes are finally shifting! Digital inclusion is now essential, adding genuine strength to your digital projects. Adopting this approach enhances your business, reaches a broader audience, and most importantly, emphasizes our shared humanity.
As UX/UI designers, we have immense power: the power to make digital experiences accessible to everyone. So, what are we waiting for?
To connect further or follow my projects, reach out on LinkedIn. Together, let's make the web accessible for everyone.
— Marjorie Ngoupende