These days, people rely on the internet for just about everything—shopping, learning, connecting with others, and more. That is why it is so important for websites to be easy to use for everyone, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Inclusive design ensures that digital spaces are welcoming and accessible to all, whether someone has a vision or hearing impairment, limited mobility, speaks a different language, or simply is not tech-savvy.

When businesses overlook accessibility, they risk shutting out entire groups of potential customers. So what exactly is inclusive design, and how can you make it a priority for your business? Let’s break it down.

What’s Inclusive Design and Why Does It Matter?

Most of us take certain web features for granted, like being able to click a button or read text on a screen. But imagine if someone has trouble seeing small letters or cannot operate a mouse. A website that is hard to use may prevent them from completing a simple task, such as filling out a form or finding important information. Inclusive design solves these problems by considering everyone’s needs from the start.

When we practice inclusive design, we do more than just check a box for accessibility. We build sites that help people with different backgrounds and abilities feel welcome. This approach lets businesses reach a larger audience and gives more people the chance to use digital tools. In the end, everyone benefits.

Key Principles of Inclusive Design

Inclusive design follows a few core principles to ensure websites and digital experiences work for the widest range of users. These principles help designers create sites that are flexible, clear, and easy to navigate for everyone.

1. Flexibility: Adapting to Different Needs

Flexibility is one of the most important principles of inclusive design. Websites should adapt to different user needs, devices, and environments. Not everyone interacts with a website in the same way, so design elements must be versatile.

For example, someone browsing on a smartphone may need larger buttons or a simpler layout to tap easily. A person using a screen reader may require properly labeled content so their assistive device can read text and links in a logical order. A website offering multiple ways to interact—such as voice commands, keyboard shortcuts, or touchscreen options—ensures users can engage with it in the way that suits them best.

2. Clarity: Making Information Easy to Read and Understand

Clarity is another core principle of inclusive design. If a website’s content is difficult to read or understand, it excludes many users. Sites should be simple, direct, and easy to follow.

Some ways to improve clarity include:

• Using plain language instead of technical jargon
• Writing short paragraphs and using bullet points to break up content
• Adding clear headings and subheadings to guide readers
• Avoiding long, complex sentences

These strategies benefit people with cognitive disabilities, those who speak English as a second language, and anyone who is quickly skimming for key information.

3. Consistency: Creating a Predictable Experience

Consistency is a key part of inclusive design because a predictable, structured website helps all users navigate smoothly. If menus, buttons, and links work the same way across different pages, visitors can find what they need without confusion.

For instance:

• Navigation menus should stay in the same place on every page
• Buttons and links should have clear labels describing their purpose
• Form fields should follow the same format throughout the site

Consistency is especially important for people using assistive technologies like screen readers, as it helps them understand and interact with a website more efficiently. It also benefits users who rely on keyboard navigation or voice commands.

Examples of Inclusive Design in Practice

A good example of inclusive design is seen on social media platforms that offer closed captioning for videos. This allows people who cannot hear—or those who do not want to disturb others—to follow along. News websites that highlight key text or break up content into simpler chunks also practice inclusive design: by using plain language and proper formatting, they make it easier for a broad audience to consume information.

Meanwhile, many e-commerce sites let shoppers filter products by color, size, or shape, helping those with specific needs. A person with color blindness might benefit from color labels spelled out in text, instead of relying on swatches alone, while someone with shaky hands might need larger buttons to click. These small adjustments illustrate how inclusive design can shape the online world to welcome everyone rather than turn people away.

Benefits of Inclusive Design

Embracing inclusive design does more than improve accessibility—it benefits businesses, organizations, and users alike. When websites accommodate all people, they become more effective, user-friendly, and legally compliant. Below are some of the biggest advantages of adopting inclusive design.

1. Reaching a Bigger Audience

One of the greatest benefits of inclusive design is how it expands a website’s reach. By being accessible to more people, businesses can connect with a larger and more diverse audience.

Many users rely on assistive technology or need specific design accommodations, including:

• People with visual impairments who use screen readers
• Users with hearing impairments who rely on captions and transcripts
• Individuals with mobility challenges who navigate via keyboard controls or voice commands
• People with cognitive differences who need clear, structured content

When websites are built for these groups, businesses and organizations can serve more customers and gain a competitive edge.

2. Improving User Experience for Everyone

A well-designed, inclusive website helps not just users with disabilities but all visitors. Clear text, logical navigation, and flexible layouts make websites easier for everyone to use.

For example:

• Captions on videos help users in noisy environments who cannot turn on the sound
• Readable fonts and high-contrast text improve legibility for all users, not just those with visual impairments
• Mobile-friendly designs ensure accessibility for people browsing on smartphones, tablets, and other devices

By prioritizing inclusive design, businesses create digital spaces that are both efficient and enjoyable for every user.

3. Staying Legally Compliant

Many countries have laws that require websites to be accessible. In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set legal standards for digital accessibility. Failure to comply can lead to lawsuits, fines, and damage to a brand’s reputation. In 2024 alone, more than 4,000 websites were sued for not meeting accessibility requirements, highlighting the serious risks of ignoring inclusive design.

Businesses that do not meet these standards may face legal action from advocacy groups or individuals. Ensuring compliance from the start helps companies avoid these challenges while showing a commitment to equal access.

Simple Steps to Get Started

Inclusive design principles become easier to apply when you follow a few basic steps:

• Plan Early
• Include accessibility and usability in the early stages of your web project. Think about how users with diverse needs will interact with each part of your site.
• Use Clear Language
• Write in short sentences and simple words. This benefits people who speak English as a second language or have reading difficulties.
• Focus on Layout
• Organize your page in a logical way. Use headings, subheadings, and clear labels. This makes it easier for screen readers to process content.
• Color Contrast Matters
• Ensure your text and backgrounds have enough contrast. Free online tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker can help you check color contrast levels.
• Provide Text Alternatives
• Add captions to videos and alternative text for images. This helps people who cannot see the screen or hear the audio.
• Test with Real Users
• Set aside time to watch real users test your site. This is one of the most effective ways to find out what works and what does not.

Tools and Techniques

Several tools and techniques can help you practice inclusive design. Many free online checkers let you test color contrast, readability, and overall accessibility. Browser extensions can point out areas of your site that need attention. You can also try using a screen reader—like NVDA, VoiceOver on a Mac or Narrator on Windows—to experience your website as someone with vision impairments might.

If you apply inclusive design effectively, consider adding features such as keyboard navigation, enabling users to move around your site with arrow keys or the Tab key instead of a mouse. Another useful practice is to highlight the selected element on screen, helping people see which button or link they are about to activate.

Conclusion

Inclusive design is not just a best practice—it is a necessary approach for creating digital experiences that work for everyone. Websites that prioritize inclusive design are more accessible, easier to navigate, and more effective at reaching diverse audiences. By focusing on accessibility from the outset, businesses can avoid costly redesigns, improve user engagement, and ensure legal compliance.

At 216digital, we understand the importance of inclusive design and the role it plays in establishing a successful online presence. Our team specializes in accessibility audits, website design, and ongoing compliance monitoring to help businesses meet the highest accessibility standards. Ensuring your website is accessible is not just about checking a legal box—it is about creating a better online experience for everyone. Contact 216digital today to make sure your website is designed for all users.