Ethical & Inclusive Design: Fundamental to UX/UI
- Natalie Cochran
- Aug 7
- 1 min read
In 2025, users expect more than accessible apps - they demand ethical, inclusive digital experiences that go beyond mere compliance.
The broadening mindset
Designers now address a wide spectrum of user needs: aged individuals, neurodiverse users, those with low-bandwidth access, and non-native speakers.
Emotionally considerate flows
Ethical design considers mental health - avoiding darker patterns, misleading CTAs, or hacky nudges. Interfaces aim to reduce anxiety and respect privacy and digital well-being.
Van Zyl’s ethos
Gideon van Zyl states that “we’re going beyond WCAG - consider age, culture, emotion.” He warns against manipulative flows, advocating for mindfulness and user empowerment.
How to implement
User involvement: Include diverse users in testing.
Privacy by design: Communicate data usage simply and clearly.
Avoid dark patterns: Dark nudges may convert short-term - but cost trust long-term.
Ethics checklist: Consider representation, consent, bias, and control.
Real-life examples
Opt-in personalization vs. forced tracking: Give users agency over their data.
Contextual help: Offer guidance triggered by error-prone behaviours.
Flexible visuals: Multiple reading modes, text sizes, color themes.
Final reflections
In this era of heightened scrutiny, ethical design is a strategic advantage - not a compliance checkbox. Van Zyl reminds us, “Design that respects builds long-term trust.”
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