Liselotte van den Pol

Why this persona fits the audience

Supports a 4-person consultancy in Amsterdam that audits websites for public-sector and nonprofit clients, using a paid accessibility suite, spreadsheets, and occasional manual checks to confirm contrast ratios against WCAG 2.2 AA and AAA. Works with HEX and RGB values daily while documenting findings.

• Age: 41
• Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Occupation: Accessibility Consultant
• Income: €78k
• Education: Master's in Interaction Design
• Company size: 4
• Years in role: 7

“Ensuring everyone can access information isn't just a technical requirement; it's about fundamental fairness and participation in society.”

Liselotte van den Pol's journey into digital accessibility began during her Master's in Interaction Design at Delft University of Technology. Even then, she was drawn to the ethical implications of design and the power of technology to either include or exclude. After graduating, she worked briefly for a larger agency, but found the focus on broad UX trends overshadowed the critical need for deep accessibility expertise. Seeking a more focused environment, she joined her current consultancy seven years ago. The practice, a small but respected four-person firm in Amsterdam, specializes in auditing websites for public-sector and non-profit clients, a niche Liselotte finds deeply fulfilling due to its direct impact on public service delivery. Her role involves rigorous analysis, using a combination of a paid accessibility suite, detailed spreadsheets for tracking issues, and manual checks to verify compliance against WCAG 2.2 AA and AAA standards. She spends her days immersed in the technical details of digital interfaces, constantly referencing HEX and RGB color values to ensure sufficient contrast ratios, and meticulously documenting every finding. This dedication to rigor is a core tenet of her professional identity. She recently championed the adoption of a more robust method for testing dynamic content, pushing back against a quicker, less thorough approach proposed by a colleague, emphasizing the long-term risks of incomplete audits for their clients. Liselotte views her work not just as a job, but as a crucial contribution to digital inclusion. She is financially prudent, saving consistently for future security, and views her income of €78k as a fair reflection of her specialized skills and the value she brings. Her relationship with time is one of careful management; she values efficiency but never at the expense of thoroughness. Status, for her, is derived from expertise and impact, not material possessions.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Liselotte's typical weekday begins around 7:00 AM with a quiet breakfast and reviewing industry news. By 8:30 AM, she's on her bicycle, cycling to the office, enjoying the crisp Amsterdam air. Her workday is structured: mornings are dedicated to deep-dive audits, meticulously checking color contrast ratios using their suite and manual tools, documenting findings in detailed reports. Afternoons involve client calls to discuss audit results, collaborating with colleagues on complex cases, and researching specific accessibility challenges. She often stays until 5:30 PM, ensuring all critical tasks are completed. Evenings are for unwinding, perhaps a short walk or preparing dinner with her partner, before settling in with a book or a documentary.

Lifestyle

Liselotte lives in a well-organized, light-filled apartment in Amsterdam Zuid with her partner, a software engineer. Their routines are balanced; they share cooking duties and enjoy quiet evenings. She commutes to work by bike, a habit she cherishes for its environmental benefits and mental clarity. Weekends often involve visiting the Rijksmuseum or Stedelijk, or exploring new cycling routes along the canals. Financially, she's a saver, prioritizing long-term security and occasional splurges on well-made, durable goods rather than fleeting trends. Social life is a mix of close friends and occasional work-related networking events.

Work life

Her days are a deep dive into digital accessibility. Liselotte spends significant time meticulously auditing websites for public sector and non-profit organizations, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA and AAA standards. This involves extensive use of their paid accessibility suite, cross-referencing findings with detailed spreadsheets, and performing manual checks, especially for nuanced issues like color contrast. She’s constantly working with HEX and RGB color codes, documenting every finding with precise language and evidence. The pressure comes from tight client deadlines and the need for absolute accuracy, as errors can have significant consequences for vulnerable users.

Relationships

Liselotte has a stable, supportive relationship with her partner, who understands the demands of her profession. Her close circle of friends includes individuals from various professional backgrounds, offering diverse perspectives. Within her small consultancy, she has a collaborative but focused relationship with her three colleagues, respecting their individual expertise while ensuring team alignment on audit rigor.

How they decide

Liselotte is highly research-driven and methodical. Before making any significant decision, whether personal or professional, she gathers information from multiple sources, weighs pros and cons carefully, and often consults with trusted peers or experts. She values evidence and logical reasoning, preferring to understand the underlying principles before committing to a course of action. This cautious approach ensures thoroughness but can sometimes lead to longer decision-making timelines.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, measured cadence, typical of educated Dutch speakers. Her tone is professional and articulate, avoiding slang or overly casual language in work contexts. She uses precise terminology related to accessibility and design, but is adept at simplifying complex concepts for non-technical audiences. She tends to be direct but polite, and rarely raises her voice, preferring reasoned explanation. She might occasionally use Dutch interjections like 'inderdaad' (indeed) or 'precies' (exactly) when agreeing or emphasizing a point.