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The Creative Director’s essential checklist: Cut the guesswork for accessible content

Accessibility is hard, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Our Creative Director, Paul Evans, shares his trusted go-to's, the non-code checks and designer-approved resources needed to cut the guesswork. This essential framework demystifies clarity and contrast, providing the knowledge to upskill your team and guarantee a streamlined user experience.
Read more: The Creative Director’s essential checklist: Cut the guesswork for accessible content
The AI balance: Lessons from Duolingo's controversial pivot

This week, the well-known language learning tool, Duolingo, announced it will become an “AI-First” company, replacing many human translators and content creators with AI-generated alternatives. This has been met with huge backlash from users who are threatening to leave the platform entirely.
Read more: The AI balance: Lessons from Duolingo's controversial pivot
Introducing... Worthwhile AI

Artificial Intelligence promises transformative potential, but also raises profound ethical questions for not-for-profits. How do we embrace innovation without compromising our core values? Enter Worthwhile AI: community-owned technology platform designed specifically for the third sector, by the third sector.
Read more: Introducing... Worthwhile AI
Open doors

What are the upsides and side-effects of asking "what would you like your role to be?"
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We're going through changes...

It's 2025 now and the world's changing fast - as The Developer Society, we're right here with you, turning these tricky times into real opportunities for growth.
Read more: We're going through changes...
'Be Part of It' launch

The Developer Society is proud to be featured in Be Part of It, a poetic short film celebrating co-operatives in the West Midlands. Discover how shared ownership empowers creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Watch now!
Read more: 'Be Part of It' launch
Rethinking Web Accessibility

Web accessibility is a crucial aspect of modern website design, yet it's often overlooked or considered too challenging to fully implement. However, a recent collaboration between Sight Concern Bedfordshire, a local sight impairment charity, and The Developer Society, a not-for-profit digital cooperative, is challenging this perception. Sight Concern Bedfordshire’s new website isn't just raising the bar for accessibility – it's providing valuable lessons for organisations looking to make their online presence more inclusive without breaking the bank.
Read more: Rethinking Web Accessibility
How design can clarify your needs for a better partnership relationship

When receiving briefs, it’s not uncommon for the details to be hazy or open to interpretation. There is a risk that what our partners envision and what our team delivers aren’t always perfectly aligned—especially when requirements are complex, or when there’s a need for iteration as the project evolves. Everyone is so busy, and knowledge transfer and experience differences between organisations are tricky. This is where design becomes a critical tool—not just for aesthetics, but as a way to visually ‘play back’ a brief to help get everyone aligned. Designs help translate abstract requirements into something tangible, allowing all parties to clarify expectations before moving into development.
Read more: How design can clarify your needs for a better partnership relationship
A cost-effective feedback solution for charities- all in 24 hours

A quick side project to create an open-source feedback system that can empower charities to gather crucial community data and enhance impact reporting- and at a fraction of the cost of commercial solutions.
Read more: A cost-effective feedback solution for charities- all in 24 hours