
Diamond
Feb 2, 2021 7:49:47 AM
Meet Regine Gilbert
Diamond recently had the chance to sit down with Regine Gilbert, a UX Designer, NYU Professor, and author.
Gilbert is a User Experience Designer based in New York City. She is a professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. She teaches user experience design and assistive technology to students in the Integrated Digital Media program. Regine is the author of 'Inclusive Design in the Digital Age: Designing with Accessibility in Mind.' She is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies awarded through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. Regine has a strong belief in making the world a more accessible place.
Q+A
In 2015, I started teaching User Experience Design, and a lot of students were not aware of accessibility and digital products. A lot of the topics in the book came from questions students asked over the years. My students inspire me to continue learning to teach the next generation to make things more accessible.
2. What was the process of writing your book like? What were your goals when you began writing?
The process of writing a book while living life was a challenge, but a fun challenge. I did not work on the book alone, my technical reviewer for the book is Sara Allen (Senior Engineering Director), and she gave a lot of direction. Also, I received feedback from Catherine Kudlick from the Longmore Institute of Disabilities, which I incorporated into the book. When I began writing, my goal was to make sure I gave the readers ways to make more accessible and inclusive experiences. It is what I think about every day, and for me, it's my life's work to make the world a more accessible place.
3. What is the biggest challenge when designing a digital experience that is accessible to all users?
The biggest challenge I've found is the general lack of awareness about accessibility. Many folks do not know about accessibility and what needs can be done about it. It's part of why I decided to become an educator to provide the foundation of awareness and the necessary actions to make things more accessible.
4. Is there a specific website, app, or other digital experience that you think does a great job of being accessible? Why is it a good example?
I feel the A11y Project, https://www.
5. You've built a large audience through your book, speaking engagements, and social media presence - what do you hope to instill or inspire through your words?
I hope to encourage folks to work with and hire people with disabilities. I hope to increase awareness about accessible and inclusive experiences from physical to digital products and services. As an educator, I feel I cannot teach anyone anything. I only hope that the words I use cause people to think.
Topics: Accessibility, Web Development, Blog