What methods do you use to ensure your design is accessible to a diverse range of users?

During my final year at college, I worked on a project where we developed an app aimed at helping students manage their academic schedules. To ensure accessibility, I researched guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and incorporated features such as text-to-speech for visually impaired users and adjustable text sizes. We also conducted user testing with peers who had different accessibility needs, allowing us to gather feedback and iterate on our design. As a result, our app received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface, making it easier for all students to manage their time effectively.

I volunteered for a local non-profit that aimed to provide health resources to underprivileged communities. I helped redesign their website to make it more accessible. We used contrasting colors for better visibility, simplified navigation, and added alt text to images for screen readers. Additionally, I organized community workshops where we gathered input from users of varying backgrounds. This experience taught me the importance of involving real users in the design process and helped ensure our website was truly accessible, leading to increased engagement from the community.

In my first job as a junior designer, I was part of a team working on a software tool for remote teams. I implemented a method where we regularly collected user feedback, particularly focusing on accessibility needs. For instance, we learned that some users had difficulty navigating our tool using keyboard shortcuts. In response, we made adjustments to enhance keyboard navigation and created a help section with tutorials. This experience reinforced my belief that listening to users is key to creating accessible designs, and it led to improved user satisfaction and increased adoption of our tool.