What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act is a new law from the European Union aiming to make sure products and services are accessible to everyone — including people with disabilities. It covers a wide range of digital goods and services like websites, apps, e-books, banking services, ticketing machines, and more.
In a nutshell, the EAA says that digital products should be designed so that everyone can use them easily, no matter if they have a visual impairment, hearing difficulty, motor challenges, or cognitive differences.
Why does it matter for UX?
UX is all about making digital experiences smooth, enjoyable, and user-friendly. The EAA means that accessibility is no longer just a “nice to have” — it’s a must-have.
Here’s how it impacts UX:
- Inclusive design becomes standard: Your designs need to consider diverse users from the start, not as an afterthought.
- Accessibility testing gets real: It’s not enough to guess if your site is accessible. You’ll need to test with tools and, ideally, with real users who have disabilities.
- Clear communication is key: Think about screen readers, keyboard navigation, and color contrast to make sure content is readable and easy to navigate.
- Legal compliance: If your product is used in the EU, non-compliance can lead to fines or other penalties. So it’s better to get ahead of this!
What kind of digital products are affected?
The EAA applies to many areas, but the key ones for digital creators are:
- Websites and mobile apps
- E-commerce platforms
- Banking and financial services
- E-books and online publications
- Ticketing and check-in systems
If your product fits into these categories and serves EU users, you’ll need to get compliant.
How to prepare for the new challenges?
No worries — preparing for the EAA doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some easy steps to get started:
- Learn the basics of accessibility
Understand core concepts like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which are the go-to rules for making digital content accessible. - Audit your current digital products
Use automated tools like WAVE to find common accessibility issues. Then prioritize fixing them. - Include accessibility in your design process
Start thinking about accessibility from day one. Use accessible color palettes, ensure your buttons and links are keyboard-friendly, and add alt text to images. - Test with real users
If possible, get feedback from people with different disabilities. Their insights will be invaluable. - Train your team
Make sure designers, developers, and content creators all understand accessibility principles and why they matter. - Keep up with legal requirements
Stay informed about the EAA and any updates or specific standards your product must meet.
Final Thoughts
The European Accessibility Act is a positive step toward making the digital world fairer and friendlier for everyone. For UX pros and digital creators, it’s an opportunity to improve your craft and reach a wider audience.
By embracing accessibility, you’re not only following the law—you’re helping build a more inclusive internet where nobody gets left behind. So, get ready, start learning, and let’s make great digital experiences for everyone!
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