Accessibility means designing products and services that can be used by the greatest number of people, regardless of their abilities (visual, motor, cognitive, auditory) or situational circumstances.

This concept is shaped by two key legacies. In the 1980s, Ronald Mace coined the term universal design: designing for everyone from the outset, rather than adding ramps after the fact. Meanwhile, the web adopted a framework with the W3C's WCAG, which quantifies criteria such as contrast, alternative text, and keyboard navigation. These standards are essential: they provide a common language and an enforceable baseline.

However, meeting a standard does not automatically guarantee a great experience. It is entirely possible to check every single WCAG box and still deliver a service that is frustrating to use. While standards define a universal benchmark, real-world usage is always contextual. The curb-cut effect perfectly illustrates this: sidewalk ramps, designed for wheelchairs, also benefit strollers, luggage, and delivery couriers. Designing for an extreme situation elevates the experience for everyone.

This is the shift that inclusive design brings to the table: disability is not an inherent trait of a person, but rather a mismatch between a person and their environment. A broken arm, a hand holding a child, a screen glared by bright sunlight—we are all, temporarily or situationally, restricted. "Solve for one, extend to many."

Our approach: compliance is the starting floor, not the ceiling. We treat accessibility as a matter of real-world usage, observing how diverse individuals navigate and succeed in varied contexts, rather than just validating an abstract checklist. A standard ensures the minimum; only real-life testing tells us if it is truly usable.

What's happening elsewhere: human-centered design, ergonomics (measuring effort), usability, context (what standards overlook), and sustainability (designing for everyone, over time).

References: R. Mace, universal design (1980s); W3C, WCAG; Microsoft, Inclusive Design Toolkit.