Digital Accessibility Meets Physical Accessibility
As a master’s student of Interaction Design at FH JOANNEUM in Graz and a passionate aspiring UX designer, attending the WebExpo Conference 2025 was both inspiring and eye-opening. On the first day, the talk that resonated with me the most was “Digital Accessibility Meets Physical Accessibility” presented by Erik Gustafsson Spagnoli, Nathalie Pentler & Daniel Göransson. A session that confronted a crucial, yet often overlooked topic: the intersection of digital and physical barriers in user experience design.
The UX of ICT
One of the examples that stood out was the real-world usability of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) kiosks, especially pickup touchscreens in public spaces. These screens are often placed too high for wheelchair users or children to reach, and they typically lack audio support or voice-guided interactions. It might sound like a small detail, but from an accessibility standpoint, it can determine whether someone can independently use a service or not. This example made me reflect on how vital it is to go beyond screens and look at the entire context in which a product or service is used.
When “Old School” Is More Inclusive
The talk also raised an interesting reflection for me: while digitalization brings many advantages, there are situations where physical, tactile elements, like a good old-fashioned button, might be the better solution. For someone with visual impairments or limited dexterity, navigating a touchscreen can be frustrating, confusing, or simply impossible. A clearly labeled, tactile, physical button can offer a much more intuitive and accessible alternative. It’s a valuable reminder that digital innovation should never come at the cost of inclusivity.
As designers, we shouldn’t blindly chase modern interfaces just because they’re sleek or trendy. Sometimes, the most user-friendly design choice is the one that feels familiar, tangible, and grounded in human ergonomics.
Inclusive Interaction Design
What fascinated me the most was the proposed solution involving a voice guide that activates when the user presses the screen longer. This tiny interaction design change, a prolonged touch to trigger audio feedback, is a smart, simple fix that can drastically improve the inclusivity of the interface. As someone pursuing a career in UX design, these kinds of insights are gold. They underline that good design is not only about aesthetics or digital flow, but about enabling access for everyone, regardless of ability or environment.
Designing for the Margins
A key takeaway for me was the principle of designing for the margins. By designing for users who experience the most significant barriers, like those with physical disabilities, we often end up creating better products for all users. This aligns perfectly with what I’ve been learning in my studies and during my internships: that UX is about solving real problems, and accessibility should never be an afterthought.
Conclusion
This talk also made me reflect on the importance of field research – going out, observing, talking to users, and understanding their journeys in context. A wheelchair user trying to use a touchscreen in a crowded city center might face a vastly different experience than someone using it at home. Empathy in design starts with understanding these differences.
