Accessible design in software development: from UX principles to 3D apps

Explore how inclusive design transforms digital products, from foundational UX principles to cutting-edge 3D web applications.

Join Zühlke and Sitewerk experts in Lisbon for an evening exploring how inclusive design transforms digital products, from foundational UX principles to cutting-edge 3D web applications.

Designing truly great digital experiences means going beyond usability and intentionally considering a wide range of human abilities. Accessibility is not just a requirement, it’s a driver of innovation, often shaping solutions that become part of everyday technology.

In this joint meetup, we’ll connect the “why” and the “how” of accessibility:

• Introducing how accessibility is embedded into software design processes, highlighting the evolution and real-world impact of assistive technologies.

• Showing how accessibility principles can be applied in more complex, modern interfaces, including 3D web apps and configurators.
  

You’ll hear from the tech industry experts covering everything from core concepts to practical implementation, giving you both the mindset and concrete techniques to design more inclusive digital experiences.

You’ll then have the opportunity to step beyond theory and into practice through an interactive AID-X Lab experience, where accessibility challenges become tangible through hands-on exploration.

Format:

Two talks (approx. 25 minutes each) exploring assistive technology, its evolution, impact, and how solutions originally created as accessibility tools often become mainstream technologies used in everyday life.

Speakers include:

• Caio Soares, Expert Business Analyst & People Lead, Zühlke
• Joao Pedro Pereira, Frontend Engineer, Sitewerk
• After the talks, the space will open for hands-on exploration of the AID-X Lab and networking.

For 1–2 hours, participants will be guided through assistive equipment and simulations designed to help you see, feel, and experience executing everyday tasks as people with disabilities might.

What’s in the AID-X Lab?

• Immersive simulations of visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments.
  Step into the shoes of someone with accessibility needs and better understand the challenges they face when interacting with digital and physical products.

• Live demonstrations of assistive technologies
  Discover tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, and other day-to-day assistive devices, and learn how they support people with accessibility needs.

• Hands-on experience
  Try the equipment yourself, experiment with the technologies, and take the opportunity to ask questions, share reflections, and discuss inclusive design with the team.

Networking

After the talks, stay for informal networking with fellow designers, developers, and product professionals from Lisbon’s tech community.

It’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss design challenges, and connect with others passionate about software engineering, product development, UX, accessibility, and building better digital products.

Event details

Date: April 22
Time: 19:00 – 21:00
Location: IDEA Spaces – Palácio Sotto Mayor (https://ideaspaces.pt/palacio.html)

More about the speakers and their sessions:

Accessible Design in Software: Building for Everyone
Speaker: Caio Soares – Expert Business Analyst & People Lead, Zühlke

Accessibility is often treated as an afterthought, but the most successful digital products integrate it from the very beginning.

In this talk, Caio will explore how accessibility can be embedded into the software design and delivery process. Drawing from real-world examples and assistive technology innovations, he will show how solutions originally developed for accessibility often become mainstream technologies that benefit everyone.

The session will also introduce Zühlke’s AID-X initiative, demonstrating how immersive experiences can help teams better understand accessibility challenges and design more inclusive products.

Accessibility applied to 3D web apps and configurators
Speaker: Joao Pedro Pereira – Frontend Engineer, Sitewerk

A small, yet practical, glimpse into how we can bring accessibility into web apps with a third dimension. Explore quick wins, conventions in the industry and a few examples.