CASE STUDY

Clay

A UI/UX design agency moved accessibility upstream: we evolved from auditing finished work to annotating designs before development, cutting rework and building WCAG 2.2 AA into their process.

  • IndustryDesign agency
  • PlatformClient projects
  • EngagementAudits + design annotations + process consulting
  • StandardWCAG 2.2 AA
THE CHALLENGE

Accessibility bolted on after the fact

Clay builds sleek, highly interactive digital experiences, but accessibility was handled reactively, after development, which meant post-launch audits, rework, and longer timelines. They wanted it built in from the start.

  1. Retrofitting accessibility after development, causing rework and delays.
  2. Limited team exposure to WCAG principles and best practice.
  3. Design handoffs that lacked clear accessibility requirements for developers.
OUR APPROACH

From post-build audits to shift-left design annotations

We started by auditing finished projects, then moved upstream to annotate wireframes and mockups before development, and helped Clay bake accessibility into their standard workflow.

Accessibility audits and rechecks

Automated scans plus manual review of completed projects, with prioritized remediation reports.

Design annotations

Accessibility annotated directly on wireframes and mockups: hierarchy, interactive states, ARIA roles, and contrast, before any build.

Contrast and motion guidance

Contrast ratios for WCAG 2.2 AA and motion considerations to protect users with vestibular disorders.

Process optimization

Accessibility built into contracts, kickoffs, and developer handoffs so it became standard.

Team training

Tailored sessions that deepened Clay's designers' and developers' accessible-design skills.

THE IMPACT

Less rework, better compliance, a stronger offering

  • Shifting left minimized post-development fixes, cutting rework and delays.
  • Designs consistently met WCAG 2.2 AA.
  • Clearer developer handoffs reduced implementation errors.
  • Accessibility became a differentiator Clay offers its own clients.

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