Availability
Digital Accessibility is about making solutions, as websites, apps and webshops, available to all users, regardless of abilities, technical prerequisites or aids.
In 2025, the requirements were significantly expanded by EU Accessibility Act (European Accessibility Act), as now besides public organizations also includes private companies – among others within e-commerce, banks, transport and digital services.
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NO OBSTACLE WITH DISABILITY
When your digital solution is available, you ensure the largest possible buyer group, as everyone can access and understand the content. It is particularly necessary for people with e.g. visual and hearing loss, motor challenges or cognitive difficulties.
But good accessibility actually benefits everyone, for example older users, people with temporary injuries, or those who use their mobile phone on the go. In Europe, 1 in 4 has a disability, and for them your digital solution should not be a barrier.
UX THAT EMBRACES EVERYONE
Ease of use is about helping people safely and quickly get to what they want. Accessibility reinforces that mission by ensuring that no one drops out along the way.
When your digital solution takes into account different needs, situations and ways of interacting, the experience becomes not only effective, but inclusive. And this is where the user experience (UX) really rises: when technical requirements and human considerations merge into a higher unity.
EU STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
The specific EU standards for digital accessibility, also called: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (abbreviated WCAG) describes how to design, structure and code digital solutions so that they work for all users.
The guidelines are built around four basic principles:
Perceivable
All content must be perceptible by the user in at least one way. This means, for example, that text must have sufficient contrast against the background, that images get alternative texts, and that video has subtitles or transcription.
Operable
The user interface must be operable by everyone. This means, for example, that all content can be navigated with a keyboard, that there is clear focus marking, and that animations can be paused or turned off.
Understandable
The content must be easy to read, predict and navigate. This means that texts must be clear and simple, that error messages must explain what can be done and that navigation must be consistent.
Robust
The content must work across devices, screen readers and browsers. It requires proper HTML structure and semantic code so that aids can “understand” and render the content correctly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF?
Good UX and accessibility require a solid starting point. Here are the fundamentals you should secure before building on:
- Well organized content: Structure your pages with clear titles and covering headings so users can easily navigate and understand the content.
- Buttons: Place large and easy-to-understand buttons in strategic locations so that it is intuitive for users to interact with the page, even if the page is read by a utility.
- Easy-to-understand links: Avoid vague formulations like ”Click here” in link as it doesn't say much about where the user is directed. If, on the other hand, you write ”Register for the workshop here”, you guide your user all the way.
- Consistent labels: Be sure to use consistent labels throughout your website. That you use, for example, the same type of blue arrow every time the user can go back to the previous page.
- Optimized user interface: Predictability is key in accessibility. It's about unifying the pages where possible. This ensures that the user quickly sees how your solution is structured and can find what they are looking for.
- Readable and clear text: Keep the language simple and avoid replacing important information with emojis.
Time for availability
When your digital solution is to embrace everyone, regardless of motor challenges or cognitive difficulties, it requires a strong UX – and we can help with that. We are detail geeks right up to the inner pixel, and design user experiences that everyone can interact with.
If you want a strategic starting point, an assessment of your current solution or a plan for implementing accessibility, we are ready to advise.