Technology is a powerful enabler. It connects people, unlocks services, and shapes everyday interactions. But without accessibility, it leaves too many behind.
Digital accessibility is not a nice-to-have, nor a box to tick. It is a design commitment to ensure everyone—regardless of ability—can access, understand, and use digital products in a meaningful way. From public services to e-commerce platforms, accessibility builds the foundation for digital inclusivity.
The 4 Principles That Make Digital Accessibility Work
Digital accessibility is guided by international standards such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These standards are structured around four core principles that help ensure everyone can interact with digital content—regardless of ability or device.
Perceptible means that all users must be able to perceive the information on a page, whether visually, audibly, or through assistive technology. Content should adapt to different needs, allowing for alternatives like screen readers or adjustable text sizes.
Operable refers to the ability to navigate and use the interface. All interactive elements—buttons, links, menus—must be usable without a mouse, with clear functionality and predictable behaviour. This ensures the experience works for everyone, including those using keyboards or voice commands.
Understandable means content and interactions should be easy to follow. The language must be clear, the structure intuitive, and any feedback—like form errors or confirmations—should help users stay informed and in control.
Robust ensures compatibility across devices, browsers, and assistive technologies, both now and as tools evolve. Following clean code practices and web standards helps create stable, future-proof experiences.
Together, these principles form the foundation of inclusive design. They go beyond compliance—they reflect a commitment to designing with all users in mind.
Why Accessibility Benefits Everyone
Accessibility is often associated with disability—but its benefits go much further. Interfaces that are accessible tend to be clearer, faster, and more intuitive for all users.
For example, enlarging text or improving contrast improves readability, not only for those with visual impairments but for anyone in low-light conditions. Clear navigation structures help users who rely on assistive technology, but also benefit those who are simply in a hurry or using a mobile device on the go. Accessibility can even improve technical performance by enforcing better coding practices, which in turn result in faster page loads.
By designing for the edge cases, teams often end up improving the experience for everyone.
Legal Requirements Are Getting Stricter
Accessibility is also a matter of compliance. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which will apply from June 28, 2025, sets out binding requirements across the European Union. It targets both public and private organizations offering digital products and services—from websites and mobile applications to banking platforms, e-commerce sites, ticketing systems, and more.
Companies that do not comply risk financial penalties and reputational damage. But beyond the legal implications, there is a clear opportunity to lead the way by designing responsibly from the start.
Common Barriers to Implementation
Despite growing awareness, accessibility still gets overlooked during digital product development. Teams often face three main challenges.
The first is a lack of awareness. Many designers and developers are simply not trained in digital accessibility or its impact. Without proper understanding, it becomes an afterthought rather than a starting point.
The second is cost perception. Some organizations see accessibility as an additional investment rather than an integral part of product quality. In reality, accessible design reduces long-term maintenance issues, broadens market reach, and lowers legal risks.
The third challenge lies in the complexity of assistive technologies. Ensuring compatibility across a wide range of screen readers, input devices, and browsers requires methodical planning and testing. But the effort pays off in creating a resilient, inclusive experience.
Accessibility Is a Strategic Choice
Creating accessible products is not about doing the minimum. It is a deliberate choice to make digital spaces fairer, more usable, and more sustainable.
For organizations, it is a way to open up to broader audiences, improve usability, and show leadership in inclusive design. For users, it is a signal that their needs are seen and considered—not as exceptions, but as part of the design from day one.
At its core, accessibility aligns with the promise of human-centered technology. It reminds us that good design serves everyone.
Want to be accessible and EAA Compliant?
We specialize in UX, UI, and Product Design with a strong focus on digital accessibility.
Our teams across Europe are already helping organizations prepare for the European Accessibility Act, which comes into force on June 28, 2025.
If you’re unsure where you stand today, we can support you with a tailored accessibility audit—an actionable assessment of your current digital platforms. From identifying critical gaps to guiding implementation, we help you move toward full compliance while improving the experience for every user.