Designing for Inclusion:

Enhancing ADA Compliance

in a Loyalty Program Launch

Overview

I conducted a self-initiated accessibility audit of IT Cosmetics’ loyalty program RewardIT. The asset package was created by an external agency working with the global digital team, then shared with my US team.

As the design lead during the walkthrough, I noticed contrast and legibility issues and decided to evaluate ADA compliance using contrast ratio checkers and accessibility principles. The audit focused on the visuals used to communicate program benefits on the brand’s e-commerce site.

Process

  • Identify graphics that were immediately difficult to read, especially those with gradients or pale colors.

  • Consult with stakeholders across the D2C, Consumer Engagement, and Business Development teams to determine if additional content should be evaluated.

  • Test assets using contrast ratio checkers, referencing WCAG guidelines and POUR principles.

  • Assessed mobile scaling of illustrations for compliance with WCAG standards, focusing on text readability, visual clarity, and touch target accessibility.

Areas of Concern

Key Findings

Several graphics failed to meet WCAG contrast standards, with most scoring below 3:1, far short of the recommended 4.5:1.

The most critical issue was with the tier badges, which were central to communicating loyalty program benefits and exclusivity.

Additionally, the Consumer Engagement team raised concerns that the product images could mislead users into thinking those items were free upon joining. This is a usability and trust issue unrelated to accessibility but equally important to address.

UX Feedback

I recommended that assets failing contrast checks be revised to use darker colors, simplified text, and removed or adjust gradients. These changes would not only increase mobile legibility but also ensure greater accessibility for users with low vision.

I also advised rethinking the use of product images in the loyalty tier illustrations to avoid misinterpretation. These updates would improve both inclusivity and user trust.

Impact

As a result of the audit, the global digital team reprioritized their Q4 initiatives, dedicating time and resources to improving accessibility across the loyalty assets. This initiative not only addressed ADA compliance concerns but marked a significant shift in how accessibility was prioritized within the organization.