Crafting Experiences: Lessons from My Internship at Senscript Technologies

Creating Accessible Designs: Lessons from My Internship at Senscript Technologies

Introduction

Accessibility in design is no longer just a "nice-to-have" feature—it’s an essential part of building inclusive digital experiences. My internship at Senscript Technologies taught me just how impactful accessibility can be in shaping a product that serves everyone, regardless of ability. It was here that I encountered both the challenges and the rewards of designing for accessibility, and these lessons have deeply influenced my approach as a UI/UX designer.

The Starting Point: Understanding Accessibility

When I joined Senscript Technologies, accessibility was not a topic I was deeply familiar with. Sure, I had read about it during my UI/UX course, but the real-world application seemed daunting. During my first week, I was introduced to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines became my bible as I worked on my first accessibility-focused project.

The task was to redesign a client’s educational platform so that it would be usable for students with visual impairments and learning disabilities. At first, the technical jargon—contrast ratios, ARIA labels, focus management—felt overwhelming. But as I dug deeper, I realized the heart of accessibility design is empathy.

Challenges Encountered

1. Reconciling Aesthetics with Functionality
One of the first challenges was balancing clean, modern design with accessibility requirements. For instance, we had to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for text and background colors. This meant that some of the brand colors couldn’t be used as prominently as the client had originally intended. Convincing stakeholders to prioritize accessibility over brand aesthetics was not easy, but our team’s approach of using data—such as showing how many users would benefit—helped us make the case.

2. Designing for Screen Readers
Another significant challenge was designing for users who rely on screen readers. I learned to structure content hierarchically, using semantic HTML and ensuring that interactive elements were properly labeled. This process taught me that accessibility often involves thinking beyond visuals—it’s about crafting an experience that works even without sight.

3. Time Constraints and Budget
Accessibility design often demands extra time for testing and iteration, which doesn’t always align with tight project deadlines. To overcome this, we introduced small, manageable changes that could be built upon later, such as adding alt text and keyboard navigation before tackling more complex fixes like dynamic focus states.

Key Takeaways

1. Accessibility Drives Innovation
Constraints often lead to creativity. For example, simplifying navigation for keyboard users resulted in a cleaner, more intuitive interface for all users.

2. Accessibility is a Team Effort
From developers to content writers, everyone has a role in ensuring accessibility. Collaboration was key to overcoming challenges, and I learned to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

3. Progress Over Perfection
You don’t need to solve every accessibility issue overnight. Taking small, consistent steps can have a significant impact.

How Accessibility Shapes My Design Philosophy

Since my internship, accessibility has become a cornerstone of my design philosophy. I now view it not as an extra feature but as a fundamental part of good design. Whether I’m creating wireframes, choosing color palettes, or defining interactions, I always ask: “Can everyone use this?”

Conclusion

My time at Senscript Technologies showed me that accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating designs that include, empower, and uplift. As designers, we have the power to make the digital world more equitable, one accessible design at a time. And for me, that’s a mission worth pursuing every day.