Thumbnail of speaker Will Burns.

Speaker

Will Burns

Director, Center for User Experience, Academic Technology, Division of Information Technology, UW–Madison

Will Burns is an advocate for user-centered design and digital accessibility, and has a background in technical management, development, and user experience design. Since he joined UW–Madison in 2023, he has served as a leader in the launch and support of the new digital accessibility policy and the digital accessibility liaison network. During his 10 years at the University of Michigan, Mr. Burns integrated user experience design into development practices for the university’s Information and Technology Services, assembled the digital accessibility team, and contributed to the rollout of the university’s digital accessibility policy. 

Speaking in

Designing for Everyone: Leveraging User Experience Design and Digital Accessibility to Create Inclusive Experiences

Day One: November 13, 2024 | 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Breakout Session Option 1

Digital tools are meant to serve everyone, but without careful design, they can perpetuate marginalization and exclusion. In this session, we’ll explore how the combination of user experience (UX) and accessibility (A11Y) is critical to bridging the gap between a tool’s intent and the diverse needs of its users. By examining the transition from basic usability to robust accessibility, we’ll uncover why this shift is essential for inclusivity.

Session Objectives

  • Understand the importance of user experience design 
  • Understand the intersectionality between user experience design and digital accessibility 
  • Learn about the university’s digital accessibility program 
  • Understand the Americans with Disabilities Act’s new digital accessibility requirements