What is the best way to prioritize usability and accessibility over aesthetics for designers?

To maximize market adoption of a product/service, it's essential to consider diverse personas, including those in the minority, such as users with disabilities. Their unique pain points, frustrations, and needs can significantly differ from the typical personas. Dedicating a % of users with disabilities in research groups ensures an inclusive product discovery and design.

I would say always aim to design for the least tech-savvy user. Go beyond demographics. Consider aesthetics to grab attention and direct users, but never compromise usability.

ChatGPT Prioritizing usability and accessibility over aesthetics involves focusing on user needs and inclusive design. Emphasize user testing, gather feedback, and prioritize features that enhance usability for a diverse audience.

I recommend evaluating usability and accessibility risk up front in a product brief before starting design work while you are assessing other key risks areas - desirability, business, feasibility, ethical. This proactively brings usability into the conversation when thinking about solution spaces. Usability can also be de-risked before shipping by testing design prototypes with users in moderated or unmoderated feedback sessions.

In my experience, kickstarting a successful inclusive design journey begins with training product managers, designers, and engineers in accessibility principles. Equipping them with the know-how before development ensures they can plan and implement inclusivity from the get-go, avoiding delays and rework. A detailed document, with key considerations and task checklists tailored for each role, further expedites the process.

Remember, it's not just about gathering feedback to complete a task or job. It's not a task; it's a roadmap. It's about creating a collaborative environment where everyone develops a sense of ownership. Be open to feedback and criticism and provide feedback without fearing judgment.

Conducting surveys is a fantastic practice to get insights into the % of current users with disabilities, a crucial metric that can be scaled up to the TAM. This data becomes our compass, guiding us in setting priorities effectively.

A good strategy I've found useful is personalization and tapping into user emotions. For example, surprising users with birthday notifications, sending geolocation-based promotions, or any other perks and incentives based on engagement adds a layer of surprise and creates a good bond.

One golden nugget I've discovered is kickstarting inclusive design right from the early stages of product development. It's tempting to push it down the road post-launch, but trust me, that's a trap! Accessibility principles are the backbone, and integrating them early is key. Going back to tweak the design post-launch? That's a time-consuming labyrinth of rework. Having inclusive design from the start will save time, effort, and ensuring a stellar user experience for everyone!