How does user-centered design relate to accessibility?

User-centered design is fundamentally about understanding and addressing the real needs, preferences, and limitations of users throughout the design process. When applied to accessibility, this approach ensures that all users, particularly those with disabilities, are included from the very beginning. By prioritizing the needs of a diverse user base, user-centered design helps create products and services that are usable for everyone, rather than making accessibility an afterthought.

This inclusive methodology recognizes that users have varying abilities and experiences, meaning that accessibility cannot be an isolated component but must be integrated into the overall design process. By considering the needs of individuals with disabilities right from the start, designers are more likely to create solutions that are not only functional but also equitable, thus fostering a broader range of usability.

This contrasts sharply with approaches that prioritize aesthetics, exclude user feedback, or focus solely on speeding up delivery, which can lead to neglecting the critical aspect of accessibility.