Inclusivity as a Business Necessity: Facts and Implications for Digital Products
In today's rapidly evolving technological world, where competition is fierce, companies that aim to stay successful must consider the needs of all users. However, the reality is that many organizations continue to overlook accessibility principles in their digital products. Although many standards exist, such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), inclusive design often remains on the sidelines, and companies miss the opportunity to expand their audience and enhance loyalty. Why is inclusivity essential, and how does it impact business? Here are some key facts.
Billions of people need accessible interfaces
According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability. That’s 15% of the population, and this number continues to grow as life expectancy increases and chronic diseases become more common.
Significant impact on business
Research by Accenture shows that companies implementing inclusive design increase their revenue by 28%, reduce costs by 20%, and improve customer satisfaction.
Users leave due to inaccessible interfaces
According to WebAIM surveys, 71% of people with disabilities abandon websites that are difficult or cumbersome to use. This loss of such a large audience due to design flaws leads to decreased traffic and revenue.
Expanding the user base
Supporting inclusivity broadens the audience: in the U.S., for example, 20% of the population needs accessible interfaces to effectively use digital products. Neglecting accessibility means losing a significant share of potential users.
Boosting brand trust
According to research by Deloitte, companies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility enjoy greater customer trust and foster long-term relationships. Brands that address diverse needs are seen as responsible and attentive to their users.
How does this affect business?
When companies overlook accessibility, they lose a significant audience and, consequently, revenue. In contrast, companies that prioritize inclusivity gain a competitive edge, strengthen user trust, and demonstrate social responsibility. However, designers often face limited resources and may lack the mandate to make products inclusive, especially if it's not a stakeholder requirement. Here are several steps designers can take to improve accessibility without extensive resources.
How to make design inclusive when it’s not a requirement
Start with basic contrast requirements
Minimum contrast between text and background plays a huge role for users with visual impairments. Set minimum standards to ensure readability and add them to the design system. This can be done without developer involvement: create a color palette with acceptable contrast and make it primary. For example, text on a light background should have a contrast of at least 4.5:1, while large text should have a contrast of at least 3:1. These small changes help users better perceive information.
Include accessibility checklists in the design process
Create a simple checklist to help verify that each interface component meets basic accessibility requirements. This could include questions like:

  • Is the text contrast sufficient?
  • Do images have alternative descriptions?
  • Can components be navigated using a keyboard?

A checklist ensures that essential principles are not overlooked and serves as a safety net for the product.
Ensure keyboard support
Not all users can or prefer to use a mouse, so keyboard accessibility is a key element of inclusivity. Make sure that all major interface elements, such as menus, buttons, and forms, are accessible via the keyboard. Include components that support Tab key transitions and focus states in the design system, and consult with developers to ensure compatibility.
Document components in the design system
For each component, create a brief description explaining how it should be used from an accessibility standpoint. For example, a card should have a text description that is screen reader-friendly, and interactive elements should be keyboard-navigable. This not only streamlines the team’s workflow but also helps new members quickly learn and follow standards.
Build an accessible color palette
Choosing visually accessible colors makes it easier for the team to create user-friendly interfaces. Select a few primary colors with optimal contrast and add them to the design system. This approach simplifies the work for everyone on the project, reduces the need for frequent checks, and ensures consistency.
Add text recommendations
Accessibility concerns not only the visual part of the interface but also content. Guidelines can include recommendations on simplifying language, minimizing professional jargon, and writing short, easily comprehensible text. Providing alternative descriptions for complex visual elements is also beneficial.
Start educating the team
Education is a long-term investment that builds a culture of inclusivity. If possible, conduct brief workshops, share examples of successful accessible interfaces, and discuss new standards. Even a small step toward raising awareness will produce positive results.
Well-known design systems with strong accessibility standards
If you're looking for inspiration, here are some well-known design systems that serve as excellent examples of inclusivity. Each of these systems includes accessibility features that support keyboard navigation, color contrast standards, and screen reader compatibility. They demonstrate how accessibility can be built into the foundation of a design system and help create products that are more inclusive and user-friendly.
Material Design by Google
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Carbon Design System by IBM
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Spectrum by Adobe
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Polaris by Shopify
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Lightning Design System by Salesforce
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Atlassian Design System
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Grommet by Hewlett Packard Enterprise
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Conclusion
Even with limited resources, inclusivity can be integrated into the product. Using simple solutions like contrast requirements, checklists, and basic accessibility principles, you can enhance the experience for users with special needs and lay the groundwork for a more thoughtful design approach. Ultimately, an inclusive product benefits everyone, and these improvements are an investment your users will appreciate.
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