22 Strategies from Shew (2022) for designing accessible technologies:

At the core of Shew’s manifesto is the principle of ‘’Universal Design’’, a concept advocating for the construction of products and environments which are inherently accessible to the widest range of individuals, spanning all abilities and ages.

• Shew’s first strategy articulates the necessity of embedding accessibility into the DNA of technology from the initial design phase. By championing the idea of ‘’design with, not for’’, we are encouraged to collaborate with individuals who possess varied abilities, thus crafting solutions that are not merely add-ons but intrinsic elements of the design process.
• A second tenet promoted by Shew (2022) is the continuous engagement of feedback mechanisms. The author stresses the importance of iteratively testing accessible products with end-users, thus enabling a symbiotic relationship between design and functionality that evolves over time. Such an approach ensures that technologies not only meet current accessibility standards but also adapt to the changing needs and preferences of users with disabilities.

In pursuit of holistic inclusivity, Shew (2022) highlights the strategy of inclusivity metrics. These provide a quantifiable framework to measure the accessibility of a product, considering factors such as ease of use, understanding, and the physical effort required.

By integrating these metrics within key performance indicators, organizations are compelled to track and improve the accessibility of their technologies continually.

Another strategic insight offered by Shew advocates for the diversification of design teams.

Drawing from the rich tapestry of human experience, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and abilities enriches the creative process and engenders innovation that transcends conventional design paradigms.

It is a compelling argument favoring the notion that a heterogeneous workforce can lead to the creation of more nuanced and multifaceted technological solutions.

Lastly, Shew’s approach underlines the importance of policy advocacy and embracing global accessibility standards.

As underscored by Shew, aligning with internationally recognised guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), not only ensures compliance but also promotes cross-cultural and universal applicability of accessible technologies.