Redefining Web3 & DeFi Accessibility
The incomplete industry definition
Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) face numerous barriers to global adoption. There is a learning curve embedded in the industry. Terms like gas fees, Dapps (decentralized applications), and oracles might be confusing for beginners.
The blockchain space also has many technical hurdles. Research and practice is needed in order to navigate and interact with the large list of available cryptocurrencies, chains, and ecosystems.
Other major barriers include socioeconomic factors and jurisdictional legalization. With the global economy taking a downturn, many more individuals are experiencing heightened financial struggles. Meanwhile, not every nation even permits the ownership and use of cryptocurrencies.
To date, the wider Web3 space has referred to the scope of these aforementioned challenges as Web3 accessibility. This definition, unfortunately, only captures a partial snapshot and doesn’t include all the barriers we need to address as an industry.
Most notably, it does not currently include individuals with disabilities in the conversation.
The Statistics
According to sources, approximately 10% of internet users will own cryptocurrency by 20301. This number pales in comparison to the fact that 16% of the global population has some form of disability2.
Globally there are 2.2 Billion individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Visual impairments are rising due to age, medical conditions, and poverty3. These factors are also directly applicable to an increasing rise in hearing loss. By 2050 there will be 900 Million individuals with hearing loss4. Lastly, our population is aging at a rapid rate. 2.1 Billion individuals will be 65 or older by 20505.
Given these statistics, 90% of current websites are inaccessible for those who leverage assistive technology6.
Defining Accessibility
There are three important terms that we will briefly cover in order to expand upon the current definition of Web3 Accessibility. For a deeper dive, please consult the W3C post on the subject.
Universal Design
Accessibility
Usability
Universal design is enacted to provide the widest range of individuals with the ability to access and interact with products, services, or anything in the physical world as well. An imperative factor in universal design is accessibility.
Accessibility has traditionally signified providing a means of access for individuals with disabilities. This further can include, anyone who may use assistive technology or older individuals that may require accommodations for interactions. Web accessibility specifically can involve design considerations such as color contrast, providing alternative text for images, or keyboard navigable interfaces to name a few.
Usability, on the other hand, is often leveraged to mean providing access to a specific group of individuals, in order to allow them to interact with greater efficiency and ease. Although accessibility is a subset of usability, it is not always included in practice.
Of the three terms stated above, it appears that Web3 Accessibility embodies usability without accounting for accessibility. In other words, we have been designing applications for a smaller subpopulation.
This naturally makes sense as it is a newer space with many young, talented individuals building innovative solutions. We have a tendency to design our applications and technology with other young more “tech-saavy” members of our community in mind.
Proposal & Request To The Web3 Community
In designing, producing, and iterating upon solutions within the blockchain and wider Web3 community, let us take the first step by redefining what we mean when we invoke the term: Web3 Accessibility.
To be inclusive to everyone, we need to make sure that anyone who wishes to participate in the space has the ability to do so. Accessibility is multidimensional. Disability is along a spectrum. There are different needs for different groups that require specific accommodations.
Let us not allow accessibility to become an afterthought. The fundamental purpose of technology is the advancement and betterment of humanity. Accessible Web3 design would foster unprecedented innovations for everyone.
Thank you for your time. Onwards!
https://cointelegraph.com/news/world-population-reaches-8-billion-but-how-many-are-in-crypto
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
https://medium.com/who/over-2-2-billion-people-are-blind-or-visually-impaired-and-the-numbers-are-rising-heres-why-f0da6df0a191
https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2021-who-1-in-4-people-projected-to-have-hearing-problems-by-2050
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
https://www.abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/inaccessible-websites-keep-disabled-people-out-work-abilitynet-tells-government-taskforce
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