Latter Day: A Path Forward Through Accessibility
I had the immense privilege to intern at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Information and Communication Systems Department (ICS) under the mentorship of some of the world's leading experts in accessibility, UX, and design systems. Throughout my tenure, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in live projects that not only refined my skills but also contributed to their mission of design excellence and digital accessibility.
Product Design
Overview
I split design responsibilities between two teams: the Unity Design System and the Digital Accessibility working group. Guided under the mentorship of Ray Dahl, Tom DeForest, and Trevor Dow, I worked as an active member of both teams to ideate designs for the ICS atomic design system and research accessibility gaps in live products.
Unity Design System
Within the Unity Design System, I worked as an equal team member in efforts to update the atomic design model to meet the latest material design and human interface design guidelines. This system is made of components and patterns used by other design teams for quick implementation in design products. We also designed an entirely new iteration of the Web System for dark mode compatibility over four sprints.
Below are a selection of flexible components I designed throughout my internship.
Digital Accessibility Working Group
I also worked as a member of the Digital Accessibility Working Group, learning from industry experts to understand accessibility guidelines. Learning from them fundamentally changed how I designed and gave me the necessary tools to build products to meet user's needs.
As the primary compliance auditor, I analyzed over 40 live products for AA Compliance. By conducting extensive checks and crafting strategic accessibility solutions, we championed exclusivity, accessibility, and excellence, addressing critical issues such as visibility, screen reader compatibility, and navigation.
Reflection
Power in Collaboration
By working on the Unity and the Digital Accessibility Teams, I learned firsthand what makes a great team. Great design and optimization only comes from diverse minds collaborating without ego.
Wisdom in Accessibility
When we build products that aim to help somebody, we help everybody, regardless of their ability. Accessibility can never be an afterthought, it must be the guiding principle by which all choices are made.
Cost Saving Solutions
The best UXer's avoid costly redesigns by leveraging market research and existing resources. By seeking to understand our shareholders' needs and ensuring consistent, open communication with product owners, we succeed.
70
Components Designed
40
Products Audited for WCAG 2.1
200
Accessibility Solutions Ideated
“With Ikaika's support, the design system team was able to exceed to commitments in the product roadmap for the year.”
Conclusion
My internship was a catalyst in my career and helped me to develop my ability to think like a designer and to prioritize user accessibility in all of my work. Guided by great mentors and colleagues, we developed comprehensive solutions culminating in products that make users' lives better and their digital experience easier.
Leveraging the new-found well of design tools and practices gained during my tenure, I look forward to supporting projects driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence within a like-minded team. I'm eager to start new projects and advance accessibility and UX design practices; ensuring impactful and cost-effective solutions for tomorrow's challenges.