Design, Technology, User Experience
Why Digital Accessibility is Table Stakes For Us At Creed
Technology is an integral part of our daily lives. From online shopping to social media, digital products have revolutionized the way we interact with the world around us.
However, not everyone has equal access to these digital products.
It is estimated that over one billion people worldwide have some form of disability, which can create barriers to accessing digital content. This is where digital accessibility comes into play.
At Creed, digital accessibility is at the heart of our design philosophy. Whether designing websites, mobile applications, or other digital products, we recognize the important role of accessibility and strive to help our clients see the value of creating inclusive digital experiences for their customers.
Why Accessibility Matters in Digital Projects
We rely heavily on websites, apps, and software for just about everything we do. It’s imperative that we take the necessary steps to make our digital products accessible to everyone, not just as a legal requirement but also as a moral obligation to ensure that everyone has equal access to the benefits of technology.
Ensuring Equal Access to Information and Services
Digital exclusion is a particularly prevalent issue in which people with disabilities are unable to access or navigate websites due to their unique needs. By implementing accessibility features in digital products, such as alt text recognizable by screen readers, explicit tab orders, proper anchors and buttons, and implementation loading states to help make sure navigation done by keyboards are accurate and easy. Companies can remove these barriers and provide a more inclusive experience for all users.
Increasing Market Reach and Potential Customer Base
By prioritizing accessibility, businesses can position themselves in an expanding market of digital products designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and their families. Not only can prioritizing accessibility create new relationships and increase brand loyalty, but it can also open up exciting new revenue opportunities for the business.
In industries such as healthcare, education, and government services, investing in accessibility can provide a competitive edge that separates successful businesses from those that fall behind. Viewing accessibility as a strategic advantage can help businesses stay ahead of the competition.
Risks of Not Having an Accessible Digital Experience
The consequences of failing to prioritize accessibility can be severe. In addition to leaving businesses open to potential lawsuits, not having an accessible digital experience can lead to lost customers, decreased brand loyalty, and overall reputation damage.
Negative Impact on Brand Reputation
Failing to provide an inclusive digital experience can directly affect a brand’s public image. Today, a company’s online presence holds tremendous weight in shaping its reputation.
If individuals with disabilities cannot access a business’s site or application, the resulting backlash can create serious harm to the business. This, in turn, can diminish customer confidence and faith in a brand, a critical component of any company’s long-term sustainability.
Reduced User Engagement and Conversion Rates
Ensuring your website or app is accessible is crucial for keeping your users engaged. If your site or app causes frustration due to accessibility issues, users will likely abandon it, leading to decreased satisfaction and fewer return visits.
Ultimately, a decline in user engagement and conversion rates can seriously impact your business’s bottom line, resulting in decreased profitability.
Why We Value Accessibility for Our Clients
At Creed, we know the significance of making our clients’ digital platforms accessible to everyone. We make concerted efforts to enable and motivate those without such an inclusive digital experience to provide accessibility to all their users, educating them about the ramifications of not doing so.
At our company, we don’t just talk the talk when it comes to accessibility — we walk the walk. Our team of accessibility experts takes a comprehensive approach that includes training, auditing, and quality assurance, ensuring that your digital experience is top-notch.
Not only do we prioritize accessibility, but we also believe in delivering exceptional user experiences that support your customers’ needs every step of the way.
Our design services prioritize the following areas of focus:
Demonstrating Social Responsibility and Commitment to Inclusivity
In a world where inequality and exclusion run rampant, it’s imperative that we actively work toward breaking down barriers and ensuring that technology is accessible to all.
Not only is promoting accessibility beneficial for businesses, but it’s also morally sound — we owe it to each other to ensure that we all have equal opportunities to thrive.
Helping Clients Avoid Legal Risks and Maintain a Positive Brand Image
Prioritizing accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s what smart businesses are doing. It not only fulfills our social responsibility but also shields our clients from legal risks and helps them maintain a positive brand image.
Many countries, such as the United States, have strict laws that require accessibility in certain situations. By ensuring that our client’s digital products and services meet these standards, we safeguard them against expensive lawsuits and harmful reputational damage.
Enhancing User Satisfaction and Fostering Long-Term Customer Relationships
Digital accessibility is an important aspect that can positively impact a business’s customer relationship. By ensuring that clients’ websites and apps are inclusive, they can cater to a broader audience, including those with disabilities.
This demonstrates your business’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity and improves user engagement and satisfaction. By making accessibility a priority, businesses can foster long-term relationships with their customers and create a positive user experience for everyone.
Make Digital Accessibility A Priority For Your Business
By prioritizing digital accessibility, your business can reap significant benefits beyond creating an inclusive online environment. From bolstering your reputation as a socially responsible organization to minimizing potential legal risks, investing in accessibility allows you to better serve your customers and stakeholders.
Having a great website or app that conforms to accessibility standards can enhance the user experience for all individuals, regardless of ability. By committing to accessibility as a core component of your digital product design process, your business can achieve social and economic success.
