Inclusive Web Design: How Indian Websites Can Better Serve Diverse Audiences

In a country like India, which is full of diversity, the concept of inclusivity is more about the needs than a buzzword. From different abilities to multiple age groups and levels of digital access, designing for all has assumed immense significance. As one of the pioneering web design companies, we feel that inclusive design plays a very important role in creating digital experiences that are accessible, user-friendly, and truly representative of the rich tapestry that is India.

The Importance of Inclusive Web Design in India

Diversity is the biggest strength of India. It is a country where languages, culture, and abilities meet to form a complex and exciting social texture. This diversity extends to the digital arena, where all types of people-in terms of age and ability-interact with different websites on a daily basis.

However, most websites miss the notion of inclusion, either by having tricky navigation for people with disabilities, or by being difficult to read for elderly citizens, or even by being completely unreachable by those in rural areas where internet connectivity is not so good. This digital divide cuts off a big chunk of the population and represents a reduction of access to information, services, and opportunities.

Key Reasons to Develop Inclusive Web Design

1. Large User Base

The Indian internet user base is exploding. Statistics have it that as of 2022, there were about 759 million active users on the Internet in India, projected to reach 900 million by 2025. That's where growth plays an important role in inclusive web design and speaks volumes of a greater audience and more diversity that websites will have to serve.

2. Diversified Audience

The contribution of rural India out of active internet users in 2022 was 399 million users. This further outlines the need for web designs to keep in mind the special requirements and problems revolving around the issue of accessibility related to rural area users.

3. Market Demand

With increasing importance accorded to inclusion, most Indian websites have fallen behind. A report found 5815 accessibility barriers out of 7800 government websites in India. Further, only 52 government websites provided the option for colour change, indicating how far even the basic features of accessibility go. There is, however, a strong market demand for inclusive web design practices. According to statistics 71% of consumers would go to, or prefer easy and accessible websites.

Inclusive web design fills this gap. By placing first the concern of accessibility and usability by all users, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, inclusive design guarantees full participation by all in the digital world.

Businesses can serve a larger market, improve brand reputation, and ensure customer loyalty by being considerate of inclusivity.  

Best Practices for Inclusive Web Design

For creating an inclusive website, a web design company observes a set of best practices that meet diverse user needs and serve them better.

Let's look into some of these key considerations:

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):

A web design company follows WCAG guidelines to make your website perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for those with disabilities. The common implications of this standard are alternatives for adding alt text for images, captioning videos, ensuring keyboard navigation for choices of menus, colour contrast options for poor eyesight.

Screen Reader Compatibility:

To ensure inclusive web designs, the web design company ensures that the website is designed to be compatible which enables the users visually unwell to navigate through its contents efficiently.

Plain Language:

Using plain language devoid of jargon is also one of those practices web design companies adopt to ensure the content is understood more easily by people who either have cognitive disabilities or are not fluent in the dominant language used within the website.

Designing for Older Adults

Larger Font Sizes and Readable Typography:

Making use of larger font sizes and clear, readable fonts enhances readability for older adults since most of them may suffer from age-related loss of vision. A Web design company incorporates such designs especially when their primary and secondary audience is the old-age group.

Easy to use:

Simplified and intuitive navigation helps older users quickly find what they need without puzzlement or frustration.

Enough White Space, Minimal Clutter:

By creating websites that include older users, the web design company keeps visual clutter to a minimum and uses ample white space to make content more scan- and digestible-friendly-especially for senior citizens who may have difficulty processing complex layouts.

Creating a Website for Users with Limited Internet Access

Performance Optimised:

Optimising multimedia items like images and videos would decrease the load for users on slow connections, such as those living in rural areas.

Mobile-First Approach:

In developing responsive and mobile-friendly websites, users can also access content through their smartphones, given the minimal bandwidth.

Offline Functionality:

When the Internet is down, the most valuable resource can let users view important content or use key functionality offline, especially when people find themselves in regions with intermittent or weakly served Internet access.

Popular Companies That Adopted Inclusive Web Design

Following are a few Indian companies that have well-implemented the principles of inclusive web design, making it more usable for a wide range of users:

1. Aarav Infotech

Aarav Infotech does user-friendly website design and development, accessible on desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tabs. They believe in an effective page layout with SEO-friendly features, which will keep their design accessible to users of different natures, whether using Braille readers or other kinds of machines for viewing websites. Additionally, they have social and chat features on their websites to increase user interaction and accessibility.

2. Noviindus Technologies

Noviindus Technologies is reputed for creating responsive, usable web applications. In their designs, they make sure that websites are accessible and pleasant to all users, including those living with disabilities. They work at improving brand visibility and user experience with well-structured, accessible web solutions.

3. IKF-I Knowledge Factory

The philosophy of IKF is such that UX has become an integral part of their web design services. The need for easy navigation and hassle-free access to information is very crucial for people with different abilities. Their designs are mobile-friendly and accessibility-compliant to target the widest reach in audiences.

4. Lakshya Counselling

The website of Lakshya Counselling has been designed inclusively, considering the clarity of communication and easy navigation. Though it has been designed mainly for content based on career counselling, its usability features have been included in such a way that it can be used by many.

5. Ximkart

The Ximkart website has been designed to respond to the challenge that currently exists in cross-border trade with clear and efficient usage. Some of the guiding principles in designing this website include ease of navigation and logical structure, which are paramount to all users, especially those with disabilities. This site uses visual aids coupled with a good balance between text and images to enhance usability and user experience.

Conclusion

Today, inclusive web design is essential in a country as diverse as India , especially one that addresses the needs of all users.

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