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The best websites balance aesthetics & accessibility - Episode 13.1 out now!

Published 24 days ago • 1 min read

April 15th, 2025

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Keys to balancing aesthetics and accessibility in web design

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Hi Reader,

Think your website looks great? Cool. But can everyone use it?

In this week’s episode of Discussing Stupid, we dive into a surprisingly frustrating topic: color accessibility. From overly “fun” palettes to failed contrast tests, even the most polished designs can fall flat when it comes to inclusivity.

In Episode 13.1, Virgil, Cole, and Chad unpack:
✅ Why accessible design isn’t just about what colors you pick—it's about how you use them
✅ How font size and screen size can turn compliant colors into problems
✅ Decorative vs. purposeful color usage
✅ How to keep your site visually engaging and accessible
✅ Why inclusive design forces teams to think more functionally—not just aesthetically

Anyone involved in building, branding, or maintaining a website will walk away from this episode with clearer insight on how to design with everyone in mind.

Best regards,
The Discussing Stupid Team

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DIG DEEPER

Curious how to make your color choices more inclusive? These resources break it down:

The importance of color contrast in accessibility

This article by Medium explores the significance of color contrast, its role in accessibility, and practical strategies to create designs that are inclusive yet aesthetically pleasing.

W3C: Understanding use of color

Official guidance from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) on using color responsibly in digital content, including what’s required for compliance and why it matters.

"It's about knowing where and when to use certain colors."

 

Chad Heinle - Episode 13.1

COMING UP NEXT

Episode 14: Want good UX? Expect less from your audience.

Let’s face it—most users don’t read instructions, follow logic, or do what you expect. In our next episode, we explore how inattentiveness shapes digital experiences, and why building for the “ideal user” often leads to disaster.

Virgil and Cole share lessons from real-life systems where poor UX created big headaches—along with practical strategies to build interfaces that support users even when they’re not paying attention. Plus, how AI fits into the equation… and where it falls short.

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Releasing April 29th, 2025

OTHER EPISODES OF INTEREST

Finding the metadata "Goldilocks zone"

Why finding the "just right" amount of tagging to do with metadata is crucial.

The challenges of translating design into a responsive website build

Why making the build look like the Figma is such a challenge.

10 episodes into podcasting, here are our thoughts

The work doesn't stop after launch - it has only just begun.

CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

High Monkey

High Monkey helps businesses optimize digital tools and platforms for better results. Whether it's improving workflows or building accessible websites, we focus on creating user-friendly, efficient digital experiences.

13055 Riverdale Drive NW, Suite 500-111, Minneapolis, MN 55448
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High Monkey

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