Usability and Accessibility are not just technical goals—they are ethical imperatives that shape how people interact with the digital and physical world. This short talk is a call to embrace the deeper values behind these concepts: Inclusion, Simplicity, and Equity. Inspired by the mission of World Usability Day, we explore why designing for all people—regardless of ability, age, or background—is not a special feature, but a shared responsibility.
At a time when AI and digital systems are accelerating human-machine interaction, the danger of excluding entire groups becomes even more urgent. Usability means creating systems that people can use easily and effectively. Accessibility ensures those systems are open to everyone, including people with disabilities. Together, they promote dignity, autonomy, and fairness.
This presentation is not about research or guidelines—it's about the mindset we bring into our work as designers, developers, educators, and users. Through examples and reflection, we will reconnect with the purpose of CHI itself: to build human-centered systems that work for real people in real lives. Because every day—not just one day a year—should be a World Usability Day.