Accessible Design: ArtVersion Aligns with W3C Principles on Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion
W3C, the preeminent authority on web standards, underscores that accessibility, usability, and inclusion are intertwined elements vital for a universally beneficial web. “Design extends beyond the visual layer; it’s fundamentally about functionality. Our commitment to inclusive design is not merely ethical — it’s pragmatically focused. By centering on ‘usable accessibility,’ we produce designs that are universally intuitive, elevating the user experience for all,” says Erin Lentz, Executive Director of Design at ArtVersion. This sentiment resonates with ArtVersion’s long-standing mission, reinforcing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to web development and design. “For over two decades, our mission has been to make the web a hospitable space for everyone. This ethos guides every project we embark upon, and it’s a commitment we proudly extend to our wide array of high-profile clients. We don’t merely tick boxes; we construct meaningful, deeply engaging user experiences,” asserts Goran Paun, ArtVersion’s Principal and Creative Director.
Comprising talented designers, seasoned developers, and insightful researchers, the ArtVersion team is resolute in pushing the boundaries of web accessibility and usability. This multifaceted team collaborates seamlessly, offering inventive yet practical solutions that align with World Wide Web Consortium guidelines. Usability is not a monolithic concept but rather one that demands a spectrum of expertise and perspectives.
Beyond Technical Compliance: A Focus on Usable Accessibility
For web design companies, achieving mere technical compliance is not enough. Realizing that genuinely accessible platforms must involve real users in the design process — integrating their needs, desires, and values — is vital. This holistic ideology is dubbed “usable accessibility,” a philosophy that ArtVersion demonstrates in every project. “Our developers and designers collaborate to breathe life into technical specifications, all the while ensuring that usability and accessibility remain at the forefront. This unique synergy is what sets our projects apart and effectively caters to all users, irrespective of their abilities,” notes Dushan Stankovic, Head of Web Development.
Alignment with Organizations
Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion (AUI) can be closely interconnected with a corporation’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. At the core of ESG metrics is the idea of corporate responsibility beyond profit-making, which encompasses social well-being. Accessibility, usability, and inclusion in web design directly align with the ‘Social’ aspect of ESG. Making digital spaces more accessible ensures that a wider range of people, including those with disabilities, can easily use a service or access information. This is an extension of a company’s social responsibility to be inclusive and fair. The ‘Governance’ aspect of ESG often involves compliance with regulations and ethical conduct. There are laws and standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), that companies have to meet to ensure web accessibility. A strong commitment to AUI can positively influence a company’s reputation, which is an indirect but important part of ESG considerations. Companies that excel in ESG often enjoy increased consumer trust and loyalty, and the same is true for companies that make a strong commitment to making their web platforms accessible to all.
Businesses with a focus on AUI are more likely to attract a diverse range of talent. This dovetails with the ‘Social’ aspects of ESG, which often include diversity and inclusion initiatives. A company’s stance on AUI can serve as a litmus test for its broader views on inclusivity. From an ESG investment standpoint, companies with strong AUI and ESG metrics are often seen as less risky and more sustainable in the long run.
The importance of market access cannot be understated in today’s digital age, and this is where ArtVersion’s mission to prioritize Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion plays a pivotal role. By aiding companies in creating web designs that are not only visually appealing but also universally accessible, ArtVersion expands their clients’ market reach to include customers who might otherwise be excluded due to various disabilities or limitations.
ArtVersion has emphasized that for more than two decades, the firm’s mission has been to make the web a more inclusive place. “Our philosophy is straightforward: the web should be a platform where everyone can participate, regardless of their abilities. We’ve dedicated over 20 years to this mission, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it makes sense. An inclusive web is a more robust marketplace for ideas, products, and services. We empower our clients to reach a broader audience by focusing on meaningful, accessible design that aligns perfectly with ESG goals,” Paun adds. This ethos aligns seamlessly with ESG goals, enhancing market access while also fulfilling a broader social responsibility.
Companies that collaborate with ArtVersion are not only making a strategic business decision but are also making an ethical one. They are positioning themselves to be more appealing to ESG-focused investors, who are increasingly considering factors like market access and social inclusion when making investment decisions.
ArtVersion’s Unwavering Dedication to Universal Web Access
ArtVersion’s steadfast commitment to accessibility, usability, and inclusion over more than two decades has cemented them as a trusted collaborator for a diverse range of prominent clients across various industries.
They’ve adeptly navigated the intricate complexities of web design, from accessibility compliance to nuanced visual aesthetics, consistently delivering on their promise of a universally accessible web.
A Real-World Example: Collaborative Excellence with Legat Architects
One project that highlights ArtVersion’s dedication to accessibility in design is their partnership with Legat Architects in crafting a new website. The initiative aimed to construct a digital platform that would both display Legat Architects’ vast portfolio and provide an accessible interface for a diverse user base.
Significantly, this project has won three gold awards and one silver from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) in the 2023 W3 Awards, three silver places from the Muse Awards by the International Awards Associate (IAA), and has been shortlisted by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) in the 2023 The Lovie Awards.
“Incorporating W3C guidelines for accessibility and usability, the project wasn’t merely about compliance. It was also about making the platform universally intuitive and inclusive,” notes Erin Lentz, Executive Director of Design at ArtVersion. “The implementation of features such as keyboard accessibility, screen reader compatibility, and resizable text was critical, but what sets the project apart is how it melds these features with aesthetics without compromise.”
According to Lentz, “The goal was to create an experience that’s not only in line with the principles of accessibility, usability, and inclusion but also resonates with stakeholder goals. The accolades and positive feedback received from both the community and their diverse client base stand as a testament to the effectiveness of our approach.”
The Legat Architects project serves as a shining example of ArtVersion’s ability to seamlessly integrate aesthetic appeal with functional utility. It stands as a tangible demonstration of ArtVersion’s enduring commitment to universally beneficial web standards — serving both as a highlight in their portfolio and as an industry benchmark.
The Way Forward: Charting a Collaborative Future
W3C concludes that a harmonized approach to accessibility, usability, and inclusion creates a web environment that offers universal advantages. ArtVersion has been a pioneer in championing this integrated methodology and continues to refine its strategies by incorporating cutting-edge research and dynamically evolving user needs.
