loading...

Branding x digital accessibility: win-win for users and companies

Kai Wermer
by
Kai Wermer
|
|
29.10.2024

In today's digital world, strong branding is essential for a company's success. A clear brand identity not only conveys professionalism, but also promotes customer trust. However, in an increasingly diverse market, it is important that brands are not only visually appealing, but also accessible to all users. Here are the key aspects of how corporate branding and design are connected and how digital accessibility can be integrated into the design process.

1. The importance of a comprehensive brand identity

A strong brand identity encompasses more than just appealing visual elements such as a logo or typography. It encompasses all communicative elements that represent the company - from colors and fonts to tonality, communication themes and imagery. Consistent branding creates recognition and helps companies to stand out from the competition. 

2. Design as a bridge to the target group

Naturally, the brand design should be tailored to the target group. An appealing visual design attracts attention, while content and structure ensure that the message is clearly conveyed. User experience (UX) plays a crucial role here. If the design is not user-friendly, companies risk losing potential customers. User research and usability tests try to ensure that your designs meet the needs and expectations of your target group.

3. Accessibility: an inclusive approach to branding and design

Accessible design is an essential part of modern brand identity. It means that all users, including people with disabilities of any kind, can easily use your website, materials and campaigns or a product. Inclusive design not only promotes accessibility, but also expands the potential customer base. After all, according to the WHO, around 15% of the world's population (over 1 billion people) live with significant disabilities.

Important challenges and initial approaches for inclusive branding:

  • Colors and contrasts: Brand colors should be chosen so that they are easily recognizable for people with visual impairments. Too little contrast can make legibility considerably more difficult.
  • Text alternatives for visual elements: Images, graphics and videos should be provided with alternative text so that people with screen readers can understand the content. This can also be implemented in social media posts and campaigns. 
  • Navigation structure: Clear and simple navigation is important for all users. Complex menus can be a challenge for many people, including older users or people with cognitive impairments.

Integrate accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) into the design process. This ensures that your designs for your website or product are accessible to all users.

4. The advantage of inclusive branding

Companies that prioritize digital accessibility show social responsibility and commitment to their customers. This can lead to a positive brand perception and strengthen loyalty. Digital accessibility design signals that the company values all customers and takes their needs into account. Also use accessibility as part of your brand story. Actively communicate how your company takes the needs of all customers into account.

Inclusive branding and accessibility - an integrated approach

The combination of branding and accessibility can bring a decisive advantage for modern companies. A strong brand identity should not only be visually appealing, but also accessible to all users. By integrating accessible design practices into the branding process, companies create an inclusive brand identity that builds trust and expands their customer base.

At Uhura, we integrate accessibility checks for companies at all stages of modern brand communication, whether we are creating or realigning brands from scratch, developing a new corporate website or implementing campaigns to increase awareness or leads. 

Get in touch with us to find out how we can help.

Share this article