The Myth of Inclusive Design

The Myth of "Inclusive Means Accessible"

Inclusive design and accessible design are not interchangeable. They're more like siblings—related but definitely not the same. And believing one negates the need for the other is not just wrong; it’s downright dangerous to your users and your brand. Here’s why this myth persists, why it’s wrong, and how to approach designing experiences that are both inclusive and accessible.

Inclusive design is rooted in the idea of designing for everyone. It seeks to create solutions that consider a broad spectrum of human diversity—age, gender, culture, and abilities. Sounds like accessibility should be built into that, right? Not quite.

Accessibility focuses specifically on removing barriers for people with disabilities. It’s detailed, technical, and often governed by legal requirements (like WCAG). Inclusive design can inspire accessible solutions, but it doesn’t automatically ensure them. Why? Because inclusivity looks at the big picture, while accessibility delves into the nitty-gritty of specific barriers.

Ignoring accessibility under the guise of inclusivity is like throwing a party and inviting everyone—only to hold it at a venue with stairs and no ramps. Sure, you had good intentions, but that doesn’t matter if people can’t get in the door.

Where Inclusive Design Falls Short Without Accessibility

1. Broad Solutions Can Overlook Specific Needs

Inclusive design aims to accommodate diverse users, but it often fails to address the unique requirements of people with disabilities. For instance, a sleek, minimalist app might cater to a broad audience but could be entirely unusable for someone relying on a screen reader if the buttons aren’t properly labeled.

Inclusive design might plant the seed for accessibility, but accessibility is what ensures the final product works for people with disabilities.

2. Inclusivity Without Accessibility Creates a False Sense of Achievement

Brands love to brag about inclusivity. But inclusivity without accessibility is performative. It’s diversity in the visuals and messaging without addressing the structural inequalities that exclude users with disabilities.

For example, consider a virtual conference. Inclusivity might ensure diverse speakers and topics, but without captions, sign language interpreters, or navigable interfaces, it shuts out those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or use assistive technologies.

3. Legal Risks Are Real

Designing inclusively without accessibility compliance can land you in legal hot water. Accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, especially in the digital space. Ignoring accessibility because you think inclusivity covers it is not just bad design—it’s a liability.

Why This Myth Persists

1. Misunderstanding the Terms

“Accessible” and “inclusive” are often used interchangeably, even though they address different facets of design. This confusion can lead designers to believe they’re hitting both marks when they’re not.

2. Lack of Training

Accessibility isn’t always part of formal design education. Many designers start their careers without understanding screen readers, ARIA roles, or the nuances of color contrast. Inclusive design principles might come more naturally, but accessibility requires specific knowledge.

3. The Allure of Simplicity

It’s tempting to think inclusivity is a catch-all solution. After all, no one likes extra work. But accessibility is not an “extra”—it’s essential.

How to Bridge the Gap

To design experiences that are both inclusive and accessible, you need to approach design with a multi-layered mindset. Here’s how:

1. Start with Empathy, Then Add Expertise

Empathy is the cornerstone of inclusive design, but it’s not enough. Bring in accessibility experts early in the design process. Consult users with disabilities to understand their real-world needs.

2. Use Accessibility as a Foundation

Accessibility guidelines like WCAG should be the baseline, not the ceiling. Meet the technical requirements first, then build on them to create inclusive, delightful experiences for everyone.

3. Test with Diverse Users

Accessibility testing isn’t optional. Automated tools are helpful, but they can’t replace testing with real users. Include people with disabilities in your user research to uncover barriers you might never have considered.

4. Embrace the Overlap

Think of accessibility and inclusivity as overlapping circles in a Venn diagram. The sweet spot is where your design meets both the specific needs of people with disabilities and the broader needs of a diverse audience.

Case Study: Netflix’s Subtitles

Netflix is often hailed as an example of inclusive design. Its content spans languages, cultures, and genres, appealing to a global audience. But inclusivity alone wouldn’t make Netflix accessible.

By providing closed captions, audio descriptions, and customizable subtitles, Netflix ensures accessibility for users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have visual impairments. These features don’t just meet accessibility standards—they enhance the viewing experience for all users, like someone watching in a noisy cafe.

This is the intersection of inclusive and accessible design.

The Bottom Line

Inclusive design and accessible design are partners, not substitutes. To design truly equitable experiences, you need both. Start with accessibility to remove barriers, then use inclusivity to broaden the appeal. Together, they ensure your design isn’t just open to everyone—it actively welcomes them.

And if you think this is extra work, consider this: Over a billion people worldwide live with disabilities. Can you really afford to ignore them?