How can you apply for a job without access to a computer or phone? What if you had a disability and couldn’t purchase something online because the website was inaccessible to you? How can technological access cause labor disruptions?

The following essay describes how the digital divide goes beyond physical access and instead reflects any technology-related barriers that prevent someone from participating in society. These are important patterns marketers must note in order to understand how website design, usability and accessibility issues impact users. Read on for a look at how marketers can use web design and usability standards to address these inequities.