Accessible Design
Accessible design is a design philosophy and practice focused on creating digital products, services, and environments that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities, including those with disabilities. It involves implementing standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. This approach benefits not only individuals with permanent disabilities but also those with temporary impairments or situational limitations.
Developers should learn and use accessible design to comply with legal requirements (e.g., ADA, Section 508), reach a broader audience, and improve overall user experience, as it often enhances usability for everyone. It is critical in web and mobile development, government projects, and any public-facing applications to avoid exclusion and potential lawsuits, while also aligning with ethical and inclusive business practices.