In the ever-expanding world of design and development, one of the most pivotal creations to standardize and enhance digital experiences is the notion of “Design Systems.” These systems are revolutionizing the way products are conceptualized and brought to life. Still, they must also ensure that every digital interaction is inclusive of all users.

This in-depth exploration is not just for the designers and developers looking to maintain legal compliance or hit a checklist item – it’s for those who see beyond the web of regulations and understand what digital accessibility truly means.

By grasping the complexity of accessibility within a design system, we not only expand our user base but also refine the craft of user-centered design.

The main trade-off

One company whose craftsmanship is both evident and hugely inspiring is Pixar. I love this quote from Creativity Inc.:

“John coined a new phrase: “Quality is the best business plan.” What he meant was that quality is not a consequence of following some set of behaviors. Rather, it is a prerequisite and a mindset you must have before you decide what you are setting out to do. Everyone says quality is important, but they must do more than say it. They must live, think, and breathe it. When our people asserted that they only wanted to make films of the highest quality and when we pushed ourselves to the limit in order to prove our commitment to that ideal, Pixar’s identity was cemented. We would be a company that would never settle.” — Ed Catmull, Creativity Inc. Quality is a mindset. It requires all-out devotion. This is the mindset that we aspire to at Whimsical. We don’t expect to ship perfection every time but we are resolutely committed to quality. It’s a part of our identity and culture. ‍