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From Psychology to UX: My Journey

  • Writer: Róisín Ní Chléirigh
    Róisín Ní Chléirigh
  • Feb 19
  • 2 min read

Introduction


Accessibility in digital design is not just a technical requirement—it’s a mindset, a way of thinking that ensures products work for everyone. My journey into UX and accessibility has been shaped by my background in psychology, my passion for inclusive design, and my drive to create meaningful digital experiences for all users.


Psychology and UX:


A Natural Connection


With a degree in psychology and humanities, I’ve always been interested in understanding human behavior, cognition, and perception. UX design, at its core, is about designing with people in mind—how they think, feel, and interact with technology. My psychology background helps me approach UX with empathy, ensuring that users’ needs are at the center of every design decision.


Discovering Accessibility


My awareness of accessibility grew during my work in digital learning, where I saw firsthand how barriers in design could exclude people with disabilities. I completed a certificate in Web Accessibility (WC3x) and began diving deeper into inclusive design principles. The more I learned, the more I realized that accessibility isn’t an add-on—it’s fundamental to good UX. A truly accessible product benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.


Key Lessons Learned


Accessibility is about people, not just compliance –


Meeting WCAG standards is important, but the real goal is to create usable, enjoyable experiences for all users.



Co-design with disabled users is essential –


Designing with rather than for people with disabilities ensures that products meet real-world needs.


Small changes have a big impact –


Simple design decisions, like clear typography or proper contrast, can make a world of difference in usability.


Accessibility drives innovation –


Many features we take for granted today, such as voice assistants or dark mode, started as accessibility solutions.


Looking Ahead


As I continue my journey in UX and accessibility, I aim to advocate for more inclusive design practices in the industry. My goal is to help bridge the gap between accessibility awareness and real-world implementation, ensuring that digital experiences are truly designed for everyone.



This is just the beginning of my blogging journey in UX and accessibility. In future posts, I’ll dive deeper into accessibility challenges, best practices, and insights from my experiences. Let’s build a more inclusive digital world together!

 
 
 

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