Designers and developers of digital interfaces should be more aware of people’s varying information needs. Bart Simons of the European Blind Union (EBU) urges them to step into the shoes of people with disabilities ─ even if only for a moment ─ to make the digital revolution benefit us all.

Access to information is essential. Blind and partially sighted people have long been pioneers in developing technical tools to consult printed information, as this is crucial for an independent life. We were among the first to use scanners to read text from paper and even ten years ago we already had AI tools on our smart phones to describe our surroundings.

We are generally grateful that information and many processes are becoming available digitally. However, digitalisation must be implemented in a smart and inclusive way. There is great potential for designing and developing websites, apps, banking services, books and shopping platforms that are accessible to users with widely diverse needs. Legislation such as the European Accessibility Act is in place, standards have been developed and smartphones and computers can be personalised and equipped with assistive technologies so that everyone can use them.

However, we need more awareness among designers and developers of digital interfaces. They need to be trained so that the potential of digitalisation to meet our information-access needs becomes a reality.

We also want to check the amount we are paying before pressing the OK button on the payment terminal. We cannot drive cars yet so we rely on home delivery of groceries, but that only works if the shop's website can be used without a mouse. We want to read books released yesterday and find accurate information on the internet, but that requires sufficient colour contrast. In addition, information needs to be provided in text rather than just images.

Everyone involved in creating products and services with a digital interface can help unlock this potential by looking at things from different perspectives: how do I find the double espresso button on a touch screen when I close my eyes or forget my glasses? Can users order food from this kiosk when they are short, tall or seated? On an e-learning platform, can users answer questions without using a mouse? Is there an alternative to drag and drop? Are exercises designed not to rely solely on colour codes, image recognition or other sensory characteristics?

When products and services are designed and developed inclusively more customers are reached, and those customers will feel more independent and recommend them to others. Let us make the digital revolution a reality for all.

Bart Simons is accessibility expert and representative of the European Blind Union (EBU) at the European Consumer Voice in Standardisation (ANEC).