• [00:00:03] Understanding diverse users is fundamental to accessible design.

    [00:00:08] We often talk about the user in a very generic way,

    [00:00:11] but real users have real differences. Abilities, backgrounds, languages, learning styles, devices, environments The list goes on.

    [00:00:21] Design and accessibility is about removing barriers. So your product works for everyone regardless of their background, their age, their abilities, or any of their circumstances, not just people who match your ideal persona.

    [00:00:33] Accessibility isn't a checklist or a single set of rules that is a one size that fits all.

    [00:00:38] That's why we focus on inclusive design,

    [00:00:41] which means we are anticipating a wide range of user needs from the very beginning.

    [00:00:46] Let's break this down.

    [00:00:48] People experience disabilities in different ways, permanently, temporary or situational. Think about a person with a broken arm, a new parent holding a baby,

    [00:00:58] Or somebody navigating a busy street on their phone.

    [00:01:01] Designing for diverse needs helps everyone

    [00:01:03] when we prioritise accessibility,

    [00:01:05] we also improve usability for all users.

    [00:01:09] For example, captions don't only just help people who are deaf, but also people in a noisy environment.

    [00:01:15] Voice commands, great for somebody with mobility challenges and also for anyone [00:01:20] who's multitasking.

    [00:01:21] And here's a business truth.

    [00:01:23] Accessibility design is good for business. It opens your product to a wider market.

    [00:01:29] Increases loyalty and helps you avoid legal issues. It also leads to better engagement

    [00:01:35] because more people can use your product successfully.

    [00:01:39] And [00:01:40] finally, accessibility drives innovation.

    [00:01:42] Many of today's common features, such as predictive text or voice assistance,

    [00:01:47] actually started as an accessibility tool.

    [00:01:50] Inclusive design pushes the boundaries of what is possible.

    [00:01:53] As somebody who is neurodiverse myself,

    [00:01:56] I can tell you that designing. Without consideration of [00:02:00] disability or neurodiversity can unintentionally exclude people

    [00:02:04] from dyslexia to ADHD from low vision to chronic fatigue. These differences shape how we interact with digital products.

    [00:02:13] If interfaces are too cluttered or text is too small, or animations are too distracting, some users will simply just give up.

    [00:02:23] When you design with these experiences in mind, you reduce friction and make things easier for everyone.

    [00:02:30] Accessibility isn't just about screen readers.

    [00:02:33] It's all about the ways, how people experience digital content.

    [00:02:37] Accessibility isn't always about ability. Sometimes it's about context. In some cultures, disabilities are openly discussed. In others, they are heavily stigmatised

    [00:02:49] And that can influence how people use or avoid assistive features,

    [00:02:54] language matters too, Complex writing, poor translations or layout issues. [00:03:00] Can alienate users

    [00:03:01] right to left. Languages need different design thinking. Readability isn't just about font sizes, is it's about language processing.

    [00:03:09] Symbolism and colour use vary across cultures.

    [00:03:13] A colour that is positive in one country might carry a negative meaning in another.

    [00:03:18] So we need to be thoughtful, how we can communicate visually

    [00:03:21] and finally, economics and technical access.

    [00:03:25] Some users don't have access to high internet speed.

    [00:03:28] Others can't afford the latest devices.

    [00:03:30] Accessibility means ensuring that your products work for those people too.

    [00:03:36] Designing for accessibility isn't about perfection. It's about intention.

    [00:03:40] It's about asking the right questions. Testing with diverse users and always, always designed in with empathy.

    [00:03:47] This is just the beginning and you are already building a more inclusive mindset. In the next lesson.

    [00:03:53] We are gonna bust some common myths about accessibility,

    [00:03:57] and trust me, it's a real game changer. See you there.