Time to comply with the European Accessibility Act - here's what you need to do
As of 28 June, companies' product information and interfaces need to comply with the European Accessibility Act (in EU). Our UX expert guides you through what needs to be done before then and why better accessibility is a competitive advantage.
The European Accessibility Act (in the EU) is a set of requirements for interfaces to be usable by more people. For example, you should be able to navigate a website without having to use a mouse, and text should contrast well with the background, not be too small and be possible to be read aloud to people with visual impairments.
The public sector and public authorities are already covered by the Accessibility Act, but as of 28 June, all companies in EU with products and services will have to comply with it. Not only digital interfaces are covered, but also printed information and PDFs.
A major transition
There has been extensive work in government agencies and the public sector to fulfil the accessibility requirements. Converting and updating existing interfaces takes time, so it's high time to get started.
How does something become accessible?
The accessibility requirements relate to four principles (POUR).
Interfaces and information should be:
- Perciveable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
Checklist Before the European accessibility Act enters into force
- Inventory - Go through everything in the company that has an interface - digital or printed. (Unfortunately, the digital diagnostic tools that evaluate your interface cannot fully be relied upon.)
- Train - Train your staff on the purpose of the Directive and why it should be complied with.
- Implement - Get started with new processes and workflows to fulfil the accessibility requirements.
- Follow up - Keep track of any changes in the Directive, for example with annual monitoring.
Several standards
There are many different standards to follow in accessibility. For web interfaces, there is WCAG 2.1. Within WCAG, which stands for web content accessibility guidelines, you can reach different levels: A, AA and AAA (the more A:s the better). The level to be met when the directive enters into force on 28 June is in line with WCAG 2.1 AA. However, WCAG 2.2 is already in the pipeline and may well be included in the directive in the future.
For printed material, there is, among others, DIN E1 301, which is in line with WCAG 2.1. In other words, there is a lot to keep track of and you need to keep up to date to continuously meet new requirements.
Benefits of improving accessibility
With our purpose to ‘make the advanced simply understood’, the accessibility directive is fully in line with what we are trying to achieve at Aleido. But even without that vision, there is much to be gained from improving accessibility: Inclusive design, which integrates accessibility principles, creates significant value for businesses by increasing customer reach, improving financial performance, fostering innovation and building trust.
Wider customer base
- Inclusive design makes products and services accessible to a wider audience.
- 69% of customers, regardless of their needs, will leave a website if they find it difficult to use.
Better economic performance
- Companies that prioritise inclusive design generate 1.6 times more revenue and achieve twice the profit margins compared to their competitors.
More innovation and creativity
- A study by Deloitte shows that companies with inclusive cultures are 6 times more likely to be innovative and 2 times more likely to meet or exceed their financial targets.
Better reputation
- Companies that show commitment to inclusion build trust and loyalty.
- Complying with accessibility standards demonstrates social responsibility.
Better solutions for all
- Solving usability challenges creates solutions that benefit all users.
In conclusion, the accessibility directive and inclusive design are not only ethically responsible but also a strategic business advantage that drives growth, innovation and customer satisfaction while promoting equality and accessibility for all.
Need help with the transition? Get in touch with us.
Fredrik Håkansson is a UX architect and specialist at Aleido. With the user in focus, interfaces feel more intuitive and advanced information easier to understand.
Sources
https://www.inclucitycalgary.ca/post/the-business-case-for-inclusive-design
https://www.halo-lab.com/blog/what-is-inclusive-design
https://www.hurix.com/blogs/the-benefits-of-inclusive-design-to-improve-the-roi-of-businesses/
https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/inclusive-design
Contact us to discuss your needs
Fredrik Håkansson
UX Specialist
+46 (0)739 41 57 13
- at https://form.apsis.one/6YLwJQQFwBevrMO