Problem discovery
The example I will discuss highlights a significant accessibility issue that was initially overlooked during the redesign.
As depicted in the screenshot, the only way to differentiate between primary and secondary insurance beneficiaries is by recognizing two distinct colors associated with each type. However, in grayscale mode, it becomes impossible to discern the difference, presenting a significant usability problem for individuals with color recognition disabilities.
The solution
To address this issue, I implemented icons alongside the colors to indicate different insurance categories. By providing multiple visual cues, users now have more than one method to identify the distinctions.
Additionally, the use of a "legend" pattern on a card with limited information seemed excessive. Instead, I rearranged and grouped the content to ensure clarity and aid in understanding the categories.
My redesigned solution sparked inspiration in the product owner. They decided to further investigate the issue with users and made an intriguing discovery. It was found that many users often printed this page in black and white, which made the original accessibility issue painful for anyone using regular office printers.
This interesting case highlighted the importance of considering accessibility in unexpected ways. It emphasized that the need for so-called "accessible" features can arise in various and unforeseen circumstances.