CNN Accessibility & Design Systems
I joined CNN as a Product Design Intern during a pivotal redesign of their core platforms including the website, mobile web, and native apps. My role focused on contributing to the development of a unified design system, ensuring that components were not only visually consistent but also fully accessible to all users.
4min read
Role
Product Design Intern
Timeline
2024-2025
Team
Background
When trying to keep up with the news on CNN, users with disabilities often encounter a frustrating range of barriers: links that don’t go where they should, confusing focus order when navigating with a keyboard, poor color contrast that makes text hard to read, missing alt text on important images, and tap targets that are too small or difficult to select.
These persistent design flaws can block access to breaking news and vital information, highlighting how inaccessible digital platforms exclude millions and make independent engagement with news nearly impossible.
Current Experience
From conducting an accessibility audit, I found that this is what the current CNN experience is like for disabled and affected individuals.
Incorrect link-targets
When screen reader users attempt to navigate to a shorts video, they are directed to an incorrect link.
Long horizontal scrolling lists
Horizontal scrolling lists and carousels are challenging for screen reader users, as they must navigate through each item individually, unlike sighted users who can easily skip ahead.
Use of color
When colors are used as the sole method for identifying screen elements, controls, or giving instructions, persons who are blind, color blind, or have low vision may find the web page unusable.
I focused on solving these barriers to entry from a design perspective, and found that by leveraging design systems, I was able to create scalable and predictable solutions.
Research
1/8 Americans are considered permenantly disabled.
Source: Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
1/3 Americans will face a disability <65 years old.
Source: Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America: 2025
Design system competitor analysis
HMW
How might we reduce barriers to entry and address accessibility challenges within the CNN app to ensure a more inclusive experience for all users?
Solution
Design System
When I joined CNN, nobody was auditing components in the design system, which led to accessibility issues and inconsistencies. I conducted an audit of the Zeroheight Design System, reviewing 5 components and identifying 4 accessibility issues. I supported the team in remediating these issues to improve consistency and inclusivity.
Annotated design system components
Documentation
I collaborated with Holly Boston, our content designer, in creating accessibility documentation for components in the design system. Together, we developed clear best practices, guidelines, and actionable recommendations to support designers and developers in building more accessible products. This documentation covered component-specific requirements and practical tips, making accessibility an integral part of our design process.
Vossi documentation in ZeroHeight
Outcome
After documenting and proposing accessibility improvements, I created a prototype reflecting these changes. If implemented, the updated design system would enable screen reader users to clearly identify all interactive elements and navigate content seamlessly, demonstrating a significant step forward in inclusive design.
Before (current CNN screenreader experience)
After (prototype)
While I couldn’t review all 70+ components, the 5 I audited now pose fewer barriers for CNN's estimated 7.5 million users with disabilities (15% of the platform’s 50 million users).
Reflection
In May 2025 I wrapped up my 3-month design internship at CNN. This was my first digital design internship, and here's a list of a few takeaways from my time there.
Keeping project files organized is essential - investing time keeping documentation clear and well-structured allows everyone to easily understand my design process.
Mastering shortcuts and streamlining your design process can significantly save time. With a background in accessibility, improving my UI Design skills in Figma was a focus of mine during this internship, and using shortcuts greatly accelerated my workflow.