Inclusive Design and Accessibility is a must for Edtech brands like Italki !

HSProdesign
2 min readJan 11, 2024

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Inclusive Design and Accessibility is a must for Edtech brands like italki !

I was browsing italki, excited to find the perfect language coach for my learning journey.

I am a diverse individual, drawn to the platform’s promise of connection and cultural immersion.

But as I scrolled, frustration sets in:

ITLKI’s Interaction

The carousel of coaches keeps rotating. Gone are the ones I just considered! Disorientation takes the wind out of your sails.

I struggled to regain my train of thought.

“Try Now” buttons dance around like taunting fireflies.

Hovering is their cruel game, a barrier between me and a potential teacher.

My mouse becomes a clunky third wheel in my search.

Curiosity piqued by a coach’s video, I want to share it with a friend who’s visually impaired.

A pang of doubt hits me. Will the magic of language translate through their screen reader?

Suddenly, the initial excitement of discovery sours.

Instead of being welcomed by seamless connection, I encounter friction and exclusion.

Contrast this with a better experience:

🎥 Engaging video previews play automatically, showcasing each coach’s personality and teaching style.

🎥 No more carousel chaos! You discover gems you might have missed.

🎥 “Try Now” buttons emerge subtly after a few seconds of video immersion. The call to action arrives organically, woven into the coach’s introduction.

🎥Screen reader compatibility is clearly displayed, a beacon of inclusivity.

🎥You confidently share the coach’s profile with your friend, knowing they’ll experience the same joy of learning.

By prioritizing accessibility and user experience, italki can transform from a platform with barriers to a bridge between cultures.

Imagine the world of possibilities: a visually impaired student connecting with a native speaker, a neurodivergent learner finding their perfect mentor, all guided by intuitive design and inclusive practices.

This is not just about technology; it’s about embracing the diversity of your audience and ensuring everyone feels welcome on your platform. By removing these invisible roadblocks, italki can truly fulfill its promise of language for all.

So, what will you choose?

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Find me on LinkedIn: ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/productdesigneronboardingux/➡️

I offer comprehensive UI/UX onboarding audits and consultations, tailored specifically for product managers, Startups, and Product designers in Europe and the US.

#productdesign #berlinstartups #saasdesign #uxaudit #accessibilitymatters #duolingo

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