To change your stakeholder's perspective on accessibility in UX research, present data showing how inclusive design improves user satisfaction and broadens market reach. Share case studies demonstrating the business benefits of accessibility, such as increased conversions and customer loyalty. Highlight legal and ethical considerations, emphasizing that accessibility is a fundamental aspect of user experience. Engage them by involving users with disabilities in the research process to showcase firsthand the value of accessible design.

Here’s how I approach to change stakeholders mind when they dismiss accessibility in UXR: Telling Real Stories: Sharing examples of how inaccessible designs exclude users makes the impact personal and relatable. Highlighting Business Value: I focus on how accessibility improves usability for everyone, expands market reach, and reduces legal risks. Showing Data: Presenting usability test results or case studies where accessibility improved performance builds a strong case. Quick Wins: Demonstrating small, impactful changes helps stakeholders see results without feeling overwhelmed.

ME: Imagine a customer with mild vision impairment, trying to buy a product on your digital platform. She struggles to navigate because of poor contrast and lack of screen reader compatibility. Frustrated, they give up and share the experience on social media. Now, compare this to your competitor, who designed an accessible digital platform. Customers easily complete purchase and share their positive experience. The lesson here? Ignoring accessibility alienates customers and increases risk and loss. By addressing it, you tap into a $1 trillion global market, enhance user satisfaction, and future-proof your product. Start small—pilot a single accessible UX study and share the results to build momentum for a broader initiative.

Ever had a stakeholder dismiss accessibility as “not a priority”? It happens more often than you’d think. -Share Real Stories Microsoft introduced the Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018 and in 2023, made updates allowing gamers to remap buttons, improving accessibility for users with disabilities. -Talk Numbers Let’s be real businesses care about ROI. Inclusive design opens doors to millions of customers and avoids costly lawsuits. In 2023, over 4,500 accessibility lawsuits were filed, a 40% increase from 2022. -Help Them Understand Accessibility Ask stakeholders to try using your product with a screen reader or just a keyboard. It’s an eye-opener for stakeholders as well makes them realize how tough it can be for some users.

In the event that a stakeholder rejects accessibility, I would begin by having an honest discussion to learn about their worries or misunderstandings. After that, I would give instances of how accessibility affects actual users, such a person using a keyboard to navigate a website or an app that requires screen readers. Additionally, I would emphasize how minor, well-considered design adjustments, such as making sure that the text hierarchy is obvious or enhancing button sizes for touchscreens, can improve usability for all users. I would emphasize doable, realistic ways to demonstrate accessibility as an inherent component of designing excellent user experiences rather than overburdening them with regulations.