When you think of great UX, your mind probably jumps to sleek design, clear navigation, and lightning-fast load times. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that many people often ignore or are unaware of—website accessibility.
Let’s fix that by delving into ways to improve website accessibility.
So, what is website accessibility?
In simple terms, website accessibility means making your site usable for everyone—including people with disabilities. That covers a wide range: visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. It’s about designing and building websites that don’t exclude anyone from using them, navigating them, or engaging with their content.
And no—it’s not just about adding alt text to your images (although that helps too).
Why accessibility matters more than ever
Imagine not being able to navigate a website because your screen reader can’t read the buttons. Or trying to fill out a form you can’t click with a keyboard. Frustrating, right?
Now imagine that was your site where website accessibility was lacking.
Accessibility isn’t just about being nice. It’s about inclusion, usability, and frankly, good business.
In New Zealand, the government is taking note. Their accessibility guidance aligns with global standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These standards give clear direction on how to design for accessibility. They’re the gold standard—and more businesses here are being expected to meet them.
Don’t wait until you’re legally required. Do it because it’s the right thing and the smart thing.
Accessibility is UX
At Back9, we talk a lot about UX/UI Design (user experience/user interface)—and accessibility is a core part of that. A truly accessible site is a better experience for everyone.
Here’s why: ensuring website accessibility
It helps users find information faster
It reduces friction for people using keyboards or screen readers
UX isn’t about making things pretty. It’s about making things work. Accessibility takes that even further by ensuring those things work for everyone.
Common accessibility issues (you might not know you’re making)
Even well-meaning sites can miss the mark. Here are a few red flags you may encounter: issues with website accessibility
Low colour contrast (can your text be read by someone with colour blindness?)
No alt text for images
Inaccessible forms
Missing focus states for links or buttons
Navigation that can’t be done via keyboard
Sound like something your site might be doing? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
What you can do next
Website accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small:
Audit your current site with free tools like WAVE or Lighthouse
Add alt text to all your images
Check that buttons, links, and forms can be used without a mouse
Talk to your designer or developer about WCAG standards
And if you want a hand making sense of it all—we’ve got you.
Final word
Website accessibility is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s an essential part of modern web design, deeply tied to UX and your users’ real-world needs. Whether you’re building new or optimising what you’ve got, making your site accessible is one of the most important things you can do.
Plus, it’s just good business.
Ready to make your website work better for everyone? Let’s talk accessibility, UX, and building a better web, where accessibility forms the core of design.
In the digital world, the user is king. Or queen. Or whatever title they prefer these days. The point is—users hold the power.
You’re actually a user right now. Not the narcotic kind—though hey, no judgement—but you’re engaging with our website. And if the experience sucked? You’d be gone in a click. (Hopefully, you’re still with us.)
Enter user-centred design—a design philosophy that places the user at the heart of every decision. It’s about crafting digital experiences that are intuitive, meaningful, and—above all—designed with real people in mind.
Understanding User-Centred Design
The UX Revolution, aka User-centred design, is a powerful approach that reshapes how businesses interact with customers. At its core, it prioritises the user’s needs above all else. This design philosophy involves deeply understanding who your users are and what they need from your product or service.
The process begins with thorough research. It involves gathering insights into user behaviour, preferences, and pain points. This ensures that the design is tailored to meet the user’s unique expectations.
Unlike traditional methods, user-centred design is dynamic and adaptive. It evolves with user feedback and changing market trends. This adaptability makes it a robust strategy in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
One critical component is collaboration. It brings together diverse teams to create a holistic product. This cross-functional teamwork leads to innovative solutions that benefit users and the business.
Ultimately, user-centred design is about creating meaningful interactions. It enhances how users perceive and engage with digital platforms. By focusing on user satisfaction, it lays the groundwork for lasting success.
User-centred design is not a one-time effort. It’s an iterative cycle that refines solutions continuously. Feedback plays a crucial role in this process, guiding each iteration to ensure alignment with user needs.
Initial designs are merely starting points. Prototyping and testing help identify necessary improvements. The goal is to enhance the user’s experience with every step.
This ongoing refinement paves the way for innovation. It allows businesses to remain relevant and competitive. Embracing this iterative approach leads to solutions that are both effective and user-friendly.
Empathy: The Heart of User-Centred Design
Empathy is vital to user-centred design. It involves seeing the world from the user’s perspective. By understanding user emotions and needs, designers create more relatable, human solutions.
Empathy goes beyond data. It’s about connecting with the user on a deeper level. This understanding helps craft experiences that resonate emotionally and practically.
Designing with empathy builds loyalty. Users feel valued and understood, which fosters trust. It transforms interactions into relationships—strengthening brand loyalty over time.
The Business Value of User-Centred Design
In the digital age, businesses strive to deliver exceptional user experiences. User-centred design becomes a vital tool in achieving this. It not only enhances user satisfaction but also drives business performance.
When businesses focus on user needs, they gain valuable insights. These insights lead to better products and services, aligned with real-world demands. The result is a design that resonates with users and builds strong connections between brand and customer.
Investing in user-centred design proves advantageous. It leads to measurable business outcomes, including:
Improved user engagement
Higher conversion rates
Enhanced customer retention
Reduced development costs
Increased brand loyalty
These benefits highlight the strategic importance of user-centred design. It transforms business operations by prioritising user interaction at every touchpoint. This approach is integral to achieving long-term growth and market relevance.
Enhancing User Experience and Satisfaction
User-centred design focuses on creating delightful user experiences. By prioritising user needs, it enhances every aspect of interaction. This satisfaction drives engagement and fosters long-term loyalty.
Personalisation is key in this design approach. Tailoring experiences to individual preferences makes users feel valued and understood—strengthening their connection to the brand.
User feedback fuels continuous improvement. It ensures designs stay relevant and aligned with evolving expectations. As a result, users enjoy seamless, satisfying experiences.
Driving Conversion Rates and ROI
User-centred design directly impacts business metrics. By addressing user needs, it increases conversion rates and return on investment (ROI). This focus translates into measurable growth.
Streamlined user experiences convert more visitors into customers. A well-designed interface leads users through a clear, satisfying journey—reducing friction and boosting conversions.
Data-driven decisions further enhance ROI. By targeting specific pain points, businesses invest resources wisely. This strategic focus supports sustainable business growth.
Growth-Driven Design and User-Centred Principles
Growth-driven design embraces flexibility and user focus. It moves beyond static designs to dynamic, evolving solutions. This ensures digital platforms adapt with user feedback and business goals.
The growth-driven approach also reduces risk. Continuous, data-led updates keep design relevant and user-centric. This ensures innovation without straying from what users actually want.
Aligning Business Goals with User Needs
Successful businesses harmonise their goals with user needs. This alignment enhances both user satisfaction and business success. User-centred design plays a critical role in maintaining this strategic balance.
To effectively align, businesses must prioritise empathy and user insights. Engaging users early in the design process informs smarter decisions. This proactive approach ensures the final product is truly useful and meaningful.
Through this alignment, user-centred design improves experiences while supporting stronger business outcomes. This synergy is essential for long-term, sustainable success in today’s digital world.
Implementing User-Centred Design in Your Business
To implement user-centred design, start by understanding your users. Gather insights into their needs, behaviours, and motivations. This foundational knowledge guides relevant, high-impact design decisions.
Next, involve your team in a collaborative design process. Encourage designers, developers, and marketers to work together. This cross-functional approach ensures both creativity and strategic alignment.
Finally, embrace iteration. Continuously refine your designs based on user feedback. This not only improves user satisfaction but also drives better business results.
The Role of Data Analytics and Feedback
Data analytics and user feedback are critical to user-centred design. They provide real-world evidence to guide and improve decisions.
Analysing user data reveals patterns and preferences. This helps refine interactions and features to match actual behaviour. Collecting feedback at every stage keeps your focus sharp and relevant.
Together, analytics and feedback foster a culture of continuous improvement. They help you stay aligned with evolving user expectations and adapt with confidence.
Conclusion: The Future of User-Centred Design
User-centred design continues to evolve, shaping the future of digital business. Emerging technologies and rising user expectations will demand even more empathy, adaptability, and innovation.
Adopting user-centred design offers a clear competitive edge. It improves satisfaction, supports better products, and keeps businesses aligned with market trends. Companies that truly understand and serve their users will lead the way.
In this future-focused world, staying user-centric isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity for sustainable growth and digital success.
