UIUN Summit: Accessibility Workshop

The UIUN Summit was an Accessibility Workshop aimed at helping designers rethink how to make user interfaces inclusive for everyone. Our group’s challenge focused on designing for kids, but we quickly realized that the needs of kids overlap with those of other groups, like immigrants learning a new language or older adults less familiar with technology.

Understanding the Needs

Kids explore the world through curiosity, stories, and play. When it comes to UIs, they need:

  • Big, clear text: At least 18px to make everything easy to read.
  • Visuals: Images that explain concepts without overwhelming text.
  • Constant feedback: Immediate responses to their actions to keep them engaged.
  • Transparency: No hidden tricks or confusing elements.
  • Simple navigation: Clear steps that help them stay on track.

We noticed that these needs weren’t unique to kids. Immigrants, older adults, and first-time users benefit from the same clarity, feedback, and simplicity. Apps like Duolingo, with its big text, step-by-step feedback, and intuitive visuals, were a great reference point for this project.

Negotiations

During the negotiations, we presented our recommendations and worked to find common ground with the other teams. One of the key features I fought for was constant feedback. It’s a simple but effective way to help users feel confident and stay engaged. Some groups, especially those designing for tech-savvy users, didn’t see the value in this and argued it could slow down navigation.

Our strongest allies were the team designing for older adults, who also valued features like clear feedback and easy navigation. Through collaboration, we adjusted our ideas, scaling back visual elements slightly to prioritize simplicity and flow. It was challenging to let go of certain recommendations, but we learned to focus on what would make the biggest impact.

Key Takeaways

  • Accessibility helps everyone: Designing for kids often solves problems for other groups, like immigrants and older adults.
  • Feedback matters: Users need to feel guided and confident, especially when interacting with unfamiliar systems.
  • Balancing priorities is tough: It’s hard to choose between great ideas, but the process forces you to focus on what truly matters.

Overall, the Summit taught me that accessible design isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about creating experiences that are intuitive, engaging, and inclusive for everyone. Moving forward, I’ll apply this mindset to other projects to create designs that resonate with real users.