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Infinum Empathy Lab: A Hands-On Experience in Digital Accessibility

On April 15, 2025, Infinum conducted its second Empathy Lab session at their Zagreb office, focusing on the critical topic of digital accessibility. This time, the event was opened to media representatives, allowing them a chance to experience first-hand the everyday challenges that individuals with disabilities face while navigating digital environments.

The Empathy Lab was structured as a series of tasks utilizing both mobile and desktop devices, all set with accessibility features activated. Through these exercises, participants gained valuable insights into the barriers many people encounter online. Ana Šekerija, the Project Owner and leader of Infinum's Accessibility Initiative, emphasized the significance of this event in creating awareness around accessibility. She stated, “Disability itself does not preclude participation in daily life. Rather, it is society’s barriers — including those found in the digital space — that limit access.” This underlines the collective responsibility of businesses and developers to dismantle these hurdles, which can significantly enhance overall user experience.

As digital accessibility becomes increasingly vital, the Empathy Lab comes at a noteworthy time. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to be enacted on June 28, 2025, will demand that various digital products and services comply with specific accessibility benchmarks. Josip Bišćan, Infinum’s Chief Client Officer, shared that the company has been focusing on accessibility since 2021, implementing projects, training, and developing guidelines to foster an inclusive digital space.

Furthermore, Josip mentioned, “It felt entirely natural for us to transform our initiative into a standalone service last year. We have collaborated with many new global clients seeking to enhance their digital product accessibility for various reasons, ranging from meeting legal requirements to improving user experience and enhancing their brand image as socially responsible.” This illustrates a shift in the industry, where accessibility is not merely a compliance issue but also a means to improve service delivery and meet user needs.

The importance of accessibility transcends just the audience it is designed for; features that aid individuals with disabilities, such as high-contrast text settings, benefit everyone. For example, increasing text contrast is advantageous not only for individuals with visual impairments but also for anyone trying to read on bright, sunny days.

To learn more about the Empathy Lab's aim and methods, you can visit Infinum’s Accessibility page. As society moves towards a more inclusive digital environment, understanding and addressing the needs of disabled individuals in the digital context is more crucial than ever.

About Infinum

Infinum is an independent technology consultancy that collaborates with top global brands to create innovative digital solutions across diverse industries such as finance, healthcare, and automotive. Established in 2005, the company boasts a workforce of over 370 professionals across eight offices in the US and Europe. The recognition of their work is reflected in numerous industry accolades, including the prestigious Red Dot and iF Design Awards, signaling their commitment to quality and inclusive design.

This Empathy Lab initiative is just one of the ways Infinum is pushing for a more accessible future in technology, underscoring their dedication to responsible innovation and user-centered design.