How digital equality and accessibility can succeed – Insights from Noblesse Oblique

Alide von Bornhaupt and Ha-Phuong Nguyen founded Noblesse Oblique, a studio dedicated to digital inclusion and equality.

"Digital is just as important as analog! We see it as a key mission to build a better understanding of the strong connection between inclusion, diversity, and digital needs—and we implement it in software development. Many teams can’t afford to hire a full-time UX designer, let alone a UX writer. That’s why we join in-house teams to support them with projects, product development, and training. We focus on building awareness, knowledge, and motivation so accessible user experiences, communication strategies, and digital products like web apps and websites can be designed and implemented inclusively—especially in line with the upcoming Accessibility Strengthening Act."

Inclusion and diversity are complex and layered concepts. This is where Noblesse Oblique comes in, breaking down these topics in a way that’s easy for companies and their employees to understand. For the team, it’s just as important to share the facts as it is to put them into action:

The goal is to embed different dimensions of inclusion into businesses and create structures that take diverse perspectives into account—like neurodivergent usability or inclusive leadership. For example, using accessible language is one of many tools Noblesse Oblique uses in their approach to inclusion, diversity, and equality.

For co-founder Ha-Phuong Nguyen, inclusion isn’t just about technical accessibility—it’s also about accessible language. She develops communication strategies that balance catchy marketing copy with simplified, accessible language. In the marketing world, it can be tough to write barrier-free content while keeping it creative and engaging. But does it really have to be one or the other? She says:

A hybrid approach can also help: combining a standard text with an accessible version in plain language, and adding images, videos, or audio formats to make the message more inclusive for everyone.

Alide von Bornhaupt, co-founder of the studio, advises against treating accessibility as an afterthought. “Inclusive software needs to be designed from the very beginning to be accessible to all users.” Thoughtful architecture, semantic code, structured navigation, and proper use of alt text create long-term accessibility. This approach breaks outdated structures and sets new, inclusive standards. Tools like intuitive user flows and relevant messaging through UX writing are especially helpful here.

By combining accessibility and UX from the start, companies save resources and time—basically, it’s like “getting two for the price of one!” Accessibility should be built into every stage of product development, UX, software design, and communication strategy—not left until the end to “just throw in a few tools.” She also warns against relying on overlays, which claim to add accessibility to websites but don’t fix the underlying structure. Overlays tend to address surface-level issues while ignoring deeper barriers, and they often cost more money and cause more frustration in the long run.

In addition to digital inclusion, Noblesse Oblique focuses heavily on tech-based solutions for diversity management. With the current labor shortage, companies that embrace diversity and use innovative software solutions are better equipped to break away from outdated structures. Technology designed to be inclusive and user-friendly supports diverse teams and helps foster a productive workplace culture.

One example from the logistics industry shows how specially developed software accounts for the diversity of warehouse employees—ranging from different heights to disabilities and even varying language skills. This technology allows for intuitive, accessible use, maximizing efficiency while simplifying complex workflows.

“To make this work, all levels need to be on board: management, departments, and teams. Employees are the heart of any business and should always feel included—if not prioritized. Ultimately, employees need to be convinced and involved for inclusion and diversity to succeed.” The team focuses on education by offering specially designed online courses to share these concepts, emphasizing awareness and intrinsic motivation rather than a top-down approach driven by hierarchy. For example, development teams can be trained to integrate inclusion into software design right from the start.

It’s also worth mentioning that businesses implementing digital accessibility and inclusion see economic benefits, including higher revenue due to improved usability, stronger reputation, and greater customer loyalty.