Design Beyond Barriers

What makes an interface accessible? And how can designers create experiences that work for all users? This guide answers all your burning questions about accessibility—like how to design for everyone, even those juggling a hot coffee and a pet hamster.

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What are the most common accessibility failures?

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What are the global guidelines for accessibility?

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How can I convince clients to invest in accessibility?

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Are some typefaces more accessible than others?

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What should I keep in mind when selecting colors?

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How can I make images more accessible?

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What should I know about buttons and inputs?

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How do I make navigating layouts more accessible?

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How can I reduce stress for users?

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Are there any issues with gestures?

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What should I know about writing copy?

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How can I make interactions easier for everyone?

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How can I design better for color blindness?

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How should I handle animations or transitions?

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What are the typesetting recommendations?

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How do I choose the right type size?

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How do lighting conditions affect color and contrast?

Illustration of a person with glasses and headphones looking down at their tablet.

What are the guidelines for video content?

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How are captions and subtitles different?

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How can I better support readers with low vision?

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What should I avoid when working with type?

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Are there guidelines for dynamic content?

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What is unique about designing accessible forms?

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What’s the best way to make overlays accessible?

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Are there accessibility guidelines for notifications?

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Are there risks for designers in ignoring accessibility?

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How can I test for accessibility?

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How do I keep accessibility a priority over time?

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How do accessibility lawsuits work?

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What are some free tools to test for accessibility?

title block: About the project

Design Beyond Barriers is an accessibility guide made by designers, for designers, with a clear goal: to prove that accessibility does not limit design. It’s not about stripping things down or making compromises—it’s about solving real design problems for real people.

With only 2% of design curriculums covering accessibility, most designers aren’t prepared to build inclusive experiences, leaving it to developers instead. But readable type, intuitive navigation, and smart color choices start in design, not in code. Developers build the product, but we set the foundation. It’s time to own that responsibility.

title block: Who does it impact?

Accessible design benefits over a billion people with disabilities—and many more in everyday situations, like struggling with glaring sunlight, a slow connection, or a broken mouse. Screen readers need image descriptions, captions support those with hearing loss, and clear layouts help users with cognitive challenges. By removing barriers, accessible design makes digital experiences smoother for everyone, often in ways you don’t even realize.

title block: Why now?

Right now, only 4% of digital experiences are fully accessible. So if the web were a sidewalk, 96% of it would be full of cracks, potholes, and missing ramps—making it impossible for many people to navigate.

That’s about to change. On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require all digital products in the EU to meet strict accessibility standards—the first law to do so for the private sector.

title block: Get the book

Design Beyond Barriers: The Accessible Design Reference & Specification Book is our studio's second book, coming fall 2026 from Quarto. We’ve made the first 30 articles free to read right here. If you want a heads-up when the full book drops, just let us know.

title block: Credits
В left column: Research, Copy & Design:

Anton & Irene

В left column: Development:

Astroshock

В left column: Typefaces:

America by GrilliType

PT Serif by ParaType

В left column: Last Updated:

June 2025

В left column: Press & PR:

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