Priyanca
As a disabled person, I don’t get extra hours in the day or energy to navigate inaccessible systems that have not been designed with my needs in mind.
I have hypermobile EDS, fibromyalgia, dyslexia and ADHD. I am highly sensitive to light, sound, weight and temperature, so sensory accessibility is crucial for me.
Problem solver
I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour and I studied cognitive neuroscience and psychology at university. I immersed myself in research, developing a deep understanding of how different barriers and conditions can impact cognition, behaviour and the way people interact with the world.
When it became difficult to use my arms as a teenager, I needed to learn how to interact in a completely different way, through creative problem solving, openness, experimentation and resilience.
As a design researcher, I use my own lived experience to embed inclusive practices within teams, to drive forward ethical and inclusive design that better meets people’s needs. I help organisations to identify barriers to make experiences better and to deliver accessible services that work for everyone.
When things are designed with intention, the way we interact with them can feel easier and more natural.
Inclusive design helps everyone, but it has a huge enabling impact for people with access needs. And in commercial terms, it can be the difference between having a customer – or them being unable to buy your product.
I have to be very deliberate and selective about what activities I expend my energy on, as certain interactions can be quite difficult and painful. I cannot use a standard mouse and I find it hard to carry things or be in loud, crowded places.
Traditional banking used to be an ordeal. I would often feel overwhelmed by the admin side of it, and I would ignore my finances. I still find it hard to remember usernames and passwords. Being able to log in with my fingerprint or my face makes all the difference.
It’s not just about biometrics though. The reduction in the number of steps needed to complete simple tasks within the HSBC app helps me get a real-time picture of my financial position, or to set up a payee and transfer money, in seconds.
Reducing barriers or friction makes a huge difference when you have an invisible disability. It’s a massive time saver and helps me to feel empowered and in control.
It’s also given me freedom. I don’t feel different when I’m using the app, I can just do things as quickly as anyone else can.
When I do want to talk to someone in person, my local HSBC branch has a quiet hour. You don’t have to spend ages waiting in a queue and the staff members are friendly and helpful.
Managing your finances might not be the most exciting subject, but it enables you to do things that you actually enjoy – and to live the life that you want to live. I grew up in the countryside and I love cycling and being immersed in nature, which helps me to relax and recharge.
