Design’s journey towards accessibility

Design can have a significant impact on delivering accessible experiences to our users. It takes a cultural shift, dedicated experts, and permission to make progress over perfection in order to build momentum. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re starting to see a real shift in our journey to make GitHub a true home for all developers.

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GitHub
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Diana Mounter
•10 min read•advanced•
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Overview

The article discusses GitHub's journey towards improving accessibility in design, emphasizing the importance of a cultural shift, dedicated resources, and incremental progress. It highlights various initiatives, such as the Accessibility Design Bootcamp and Design Champions program, aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for all developers.

What You'll Learn

1

How to incorporate accessibility into the design process effectively

2

Why a cultural shift is essential for accessibility in design organizations

3

How to utilize design systems to enhance accessibility

Key Questions Answered

What steps has GitHub taken to improve accessibility in design?
GitHub has implemented several initiatives, including hiring full-time accessibility specialists, launching the Accessibility Design Bootcamp, and establishing the Design Champions program. These efforts are aimed at integrating accessibility into the design process and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
Why is a cultural shift necessary for accessibility at GitHub?
A cultural shift is vital as it ensures that accessibility becomes a priority across all teams within the organization. Leadership support and clear communication about accessibility goals help embed this focus into the design culture, leading to better outcomes for users with disabilities.
How does GitHub's design system contribute to accessibility?
GitHub's design system, Primer, has evolved to include reusable components and design tokens, which facilitate consistent and accessible UI patterns. This architectural investment allows for easier updates to accessibility features across the platform, addressing color contrast issues and enhancing user experience.
What are the key programs GitHub has introduced to promote accessibility?
GitHub has introduced the Accessibility Design Bootcamp and the Design Champions program. These programs focus on training and empowering team members to prioritize accessibility in their work, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and inclusivity.

Key Statistics & Figures

Years of experience of the author at GitHub
7+ years
The author reflects on their journey and the evolution of accessibility practices within the organization.
Number of new pilots launched this year
2
The Accessibility Design Bootcamp and Design Champions programs were initiated to enhance accessibility efforts.

Technologies & Tools

Design System
Primer
Primer is used to create reusable UI components and design tokens that enhance accessibility across GitHub's platform.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Encourage team members to participate in accessibility initiatives by fostering a culture of experimentation and learning.
Creating an environment where employees feel safe to explore and make mistakes can lead to faster progress in accessibility efforts. This approach helps in building momentum and enthusiasm around accessibility.
2
Utilize design systems like Primer to streamline accessibility improvements across the platform.
By leveraging a well-structured design system, teams can ensure consistent application of accessibility standards, making it easier to implement changes that benefit all users.
3
Host regular accessibility-focused meetings and office hours to maintain awareness and engagement.
These gatherings provide opportunities for team members to ask questions, share experiences, and collaborate on accessibility challenges, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in design.

Common Pitfalls

1
Assuming that accessibility can be achieved without dedicated resources and a cultural commitment.
Many organizations underestimate the importance of having full-time accessibility specialists and a supportive culture, which can lead to superficial compliance rather than meaningful change.

Related Concepts

Inclusive Design Practices
Accessibility Standards And Guidelines
User Experience Design