What Is Brutal Accessibility
Image of the Beinecke Library in New Haven, Connecticut. It is tinted blue with the words “brutal accessibility” in block letters on.
Bruta11y - Brutal Accessibility - is a philosophical approach to accessibility advocacy that doesn’t accept excuses but meets people where they are. Based one brutalist principles in architecture, brutal accessibility provides strong advocacy for using the simplest materials well, with a useful amount of frill, that ensures that everyone can use all the tools available.
Brutal accessibility is strong advocacy that doesn’t accept excuses but still meets people where they are. Everybody starts somewhere on their accessibility journey and sometimes we get to be the concrete foundation that supports them in becoming their own best accessibility advocate.
Accessible. No Excuses.
The brutal approach to accessibility is two fold:
- Accessibility works best with simplicity
- Inaccessibility is a choice.
Tenets
Last updated: Aug 23, 2023
1. Brutal Accessibility Is Clear.
If your design is confusing, is it really accessible?
2. Brutal Accessibility Is Simple.
Simple is using well known, understood concepts so users can do what they need easily. The first rule of ARIA is to use HTML first for a reason.
3. Brutal Accessibility Is Beautiful.
Brutalism is about celebrating your materials. Celebrate good design with your users.
4. Brutal Accessibility Is Kind.
Good design supports users. It helps them be the best of what they want to be.
Some Information on Both Design Movements
- Brutalist Architecture: Everything you need to know
- Brutalism in design: its history and evolution in modern website
Published on August 20, 2023 – Design – Philosophy