you might trip if the rise are different your body naturally acclimates to the first set and you may be thrown off balance. If your not going to be using them every day than go with the regular steps all for both sections.

"Is it possible to build regular steps at the front with low-rise steps coming up to the front door landing from each side?"

I'm not seeing any problem with stairs with a different gait that can't be used simultaneously.

Maybe you just need a ramp? No stairs at all? I have seen some nice ironwork ramps, and some nice ramps as a wooden deck would be built. And in most cases, the young and the old appreciate them(strollers or walkers, right?) And, I have seen businesses with pier and beam foundations that had steps that were 14 inches wide and just 2 inches at the rise per step, and Seniors' with walkers were able to use them, as well as toddlers. It was a bit odd for the super athlete, but you got the rhythm after the first 6 or so. The stair rail is important(sturdy, no stickers or nails hopefully)for both sides, and they had a planter up the middle of them which was a pretty touch, because they were further out on the west side, too yet, of the building....At some point safety is the most important, and if you decide to just do steps, have them at least split that riser board so that the steps are 4 inches rise, not 6 or 8 inches! and at least 12 inches deep. That helps alot !!!

redsilver, your suggestions violate Finehomebuilding's recommendations.