Andrew Stone, a Senior Project Manager at Juicebox, has recently been appointed as an accessibility judge for the Australian Web Awards (AWA). This prestigious role reflects both his personal commitment to accessible digital design and Juicebox’s emphasis on human-centric principles. In an exclusive interview, Andrew shares his thoughts on this milestone and the broader importance of accessibility in web development.
Industry Involvement and Personal Passion
Andrew’s appointment as an AWA judge highlights Juicebox’s commitment to industry engagement and innovation. "Being part of Juicebox, it’s essential for us to have a meaningful role in the industry," Andrew explains. “Accessibility has always been a significant passion of mine, and this opportunity is not just for me but also a recognition of Juicebox as a leader in this space.” He emphasises that accessible design is integral to the agency’s ethos, ensuring websites are enjoyable and usable for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Accessibility: The Need of the Hour
In today’s digital landscape, accessibility needs to be considered from the inception of projects. "Accessibility is about creating digital experiences that are usable for everyone," Andrew states. He draws an analogy to automatic doors in the physical world: "Just as automatic doors make spaces easier to enter and convenient, Accessible web design & development elevates the overall usability for all people to have a delightful experience."
Andrew acknowledges that accessibility is often perceived as a constraint on creativity. However, he argues that it’s a catalyst for innovation. "Accessibility is an opportunity to showcase creativity in a way that resonates universally. By integrating accessibility principles early in the design process, we can strike a balance between visually engaging designs and functional usability."
The Balancing Act: Creativity and Accessibility
When asked about the tension between bold web designs and accessibility, Andrew highlights the importance of user-centric testing. Andrew views accessibility as a bridge to inclusivity. "People with disabilities don’t see themselves as limited if they can navigate the digital world effectively. It’s our responsibility as designers and developers to provide alternative pathways that ensure that we make the most usable product possible."
Becoming an AWA Judge
Andrew’s journey to becoming an AWA judge was shaped by his extensive experience in accessibility and web development. "While the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) play an important role in shaping accessible digital experiences, they are ultimately guidelines," he explains. "A stronger focus for me when reviewing industry sites is on delivering a good user experience. It’s possible for a website to technically meet all WCAG requirements yet still fail to provide an accessible or user-friendly experience. That’s why combining automated and manual testing methods is essential to identify and address the real barriers users face."
This role requires Andrew to remain unbiased, even when evaluating submissions from his own agency. "The process is designed to uphold integrity, ensuring a fair and thorough review of all entries," he assures.
Inspiration Behind the Expertise
Andrew’s passion for accessibility stems from personal experiences and a desire to make a meaningful impact. "Having friends and family with disabilities opened my eyes to the barriers they face in both physical and digital spaces," he shares. "The parallels between real-world challenges and digital hurdles Inspire me to help assist teams to broaden their focus to create an even more enjoyable experience for all people.’’
Through his role at Juicebox, Andrew channels this passion into actionable strategies. "Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not about achieving perfection. The market isn’t asking for perfection, but rather for meaningful efforts and incremental changes that, over time, create better experiences for everyone. Through my role at Juicebox, I’m excited to contribute to making our products as usable and inclusive as possible for all people.," he concludes.
Looking Ahead
Andrew Stone’s appointment as an AWA judge is a testament to his dedication and expertise in accessibility. As he takes on this new role, his insights and commitment will undoubtedly influence the next generation of digital experiences, ensuring they are inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
