In the world of startups, particularly during the pre-seed investment stage, accessibility often takes a backseat. But here’s the truth: making your product accessible from the outset is not just a legal requirement—it's a key factor in building an inclusive, successful, and resilient product. At Brady UX, we’ve seen firsthand how accessibility is an absolute game-changer, and we’re here to share how we’ve worked with companies like 1st90 to build accessible products and why accessibility should be a fundamental part of your product development journey.
The Journey with 1st90: A Case Study in Accessibility
When 1st90 approached us, they were eager to launch a micro-learning and behavior change app that would help businesses onboard and train employees. They had a brilliant idea, but like many startups, they hadn’t considered how accessibility would impact their product’s usability and reach. That’s where Brady UX stepped in, conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit in line with the WCAG 2.2 standards to ensure the product was accessible to all.
Our evaluation included user testing and code analysis, identifying key areas for improvement such as non-text content, keyboard navigation, and audio descriptions. By addressing these issues, we ensured the 1st90 app became not just legally compliant but also more inclusive and user-friendly(Accessibility).
Why Accessibility Matters from Day One
The reality is that 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, representing a significant portion of your potential user base(Accessibility). When you design for accessibility from the start, you open your product to a broader audience, enhance user experience, and build a reputation as a brand that values inclusivity and social responsibility(HyperSense).
Moreover, compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 and the ADA is not optional. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandate digital accessibility, meaning your product must be usable by individuals with disabilities to avoid legal penalties(ADA.gov)(thoughtbot).
The Power of WCAG 2.2 and Its Impact on Startups
The WCAG 2.2 guidelines introduce new success criteria that enhance accessibility across different aspects of digital platforms. For example:
Accessible Authentication (3.3.7): Ensures users aren't solely reliant on cognitive function tests for authentication, making logins easier for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Focus Appearance (2.4.11 and 2.4.12): Enhances visibility for keyboard focus indicators, improving navigation for users with motor impairments(Digivante).
These guidelines set the standard for what digital accessibility means in 2024 and beyond, and they will soon become the benchmark for legal compliance. By integrating these principles into your product’s DNA from the start, you’re not just avoiding lawsuits—you’re creating a product that’s genuinely welcoming to all(HyperSense).
Building a World Where Accessibility Isn’t an Afterthought
When we started the project with 1st90, we didn't just help them fix accessibility issues—we built a new perspective on what their product could be. Together, we transformed 1st90 into a product that was not just functional but also empathetic, allowing people of all abilities to engage with their content seamlessly.
This journey is a testament to why startups need to invest in accessibility experts early on. At Brady UX, we’re more than just UX designers; we’re advocates for a world where technology doesn’t exclude but embraces every individual. We encourage you to make accessibility a cornerstone of your product strategy, ensuring your ideas reach their fullest potential and connect with a truly diverse audience.
Take the leap with Brady UX—together, we’ll build a digital world where everyone belongs. If you’re ready to start your accessibility journey, let’s talk.
(This article is part of our mission to bring awareness to accessibility in digital design. Reach out to us for more information or to start your project.)
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