Accessibility is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’ in the design world – it’s critical to your brand’s online image. If you run a business that has any European presence at all (or if you plan to expand in the future), the European Accessibility Act (EAA) should be on your radar.
If you’re unsure about what this means for your business website – or you simply want to make the most out of the opportunities it presents with an inclusive new-look site – we’ve put everything you need to know below. Keep reading to ensure your website design complies with this important legislation.
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act is legislation designed to improve accessibility standards across the European Union. It focuses on ensuring digital tools, products, and services can be easily used by anyone, and it covers everything from websites and mobile apps to eCommerce platforms, electronic documents, and public information terminals. It’s vital to ensure that those with different accessibility needs can engage with your website and, ultimately, build a relationship with your business.
From a design perspective, the EAA underscores the need to create visual and interactive elements that meet specific accessibility criteria. From colour contrast and typography to navigational structures and interactive features, accessibility must be baked into every phase of the design process.
Why accessibility matters in web design
The EAA enforces a consistent set of rules across the EU. After the Act comes into full force, non-compliant websites and digital materials could face legal consequences and steep fines. As an agency, our clients rely on us to guide them through these rules, ensuring every design component – from layout to final user interface (UI) – meets European standards.
There are many opportunities on offer when you start thinking beyond simple compliance, though. Accessible design opens up brands to a broader audience, including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
In practical terms, a more inclusive user experience can lead to higher engagement, better conversion rates, and improved brand reputation. And, the chances are that if you make your website easier to use for those with specific accessibility needs, you’ll make it easier to use for everyone else, too. For example, including a feature like a dark mode toggle may have the biggest benefit to those with visual or cognitive disabilities – but it might also deliver a better experience for other users who simply prefer dark mode settings.
Top 5 web design tips for EAA compliance
Colour contrast and typography
Under the European Accessibility Act, colour palettes must be carefully chosen to ensure text remains legible for users with visual disabilities. High contrast ratios help ensure your designs stand out and are more legible. Generally, following the WCAG 2.2 guideline of a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for body text will help deliver the best results.
Similarly, typography should be easy to read, scalable, and spaced in a way that supports comprehension. Consider line spacing, letter spacing, and the use of accessible fonts that maintain clarity at various sizes.
Navigation and layout
Design elements like menus, buttons, and forms must be intuitive to navigate by keyboard alone to accommodate users with mobility or vision impairments. Clear, consistent navigation structures, paired with descriptive alt text and logical tab order, help all users browse and interact with a site effectively – and don’t forget to apply the same approach to your mobile and desktop versions.
Multimedia accessibility
Videos, infographics, and audio elements must include alternative formats, like subtitles, captions, and text transcripts. These measures ensure that deaf or blind users can engage with multimedia content.
Interactive elements and forms
Whether it’s a simple contact form or a complex eCommerce checkout process, every step of the interaction should be seamless for people using screen readers or keyboard navigation. Labels, instructions, and error messages need to be clear, concise, and visible to assistive technologies.
Testing and validation
Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done project - it’s a continuous process. Ongoing testing - both manual and automated - is essential. Tools like Lighthouse, WAVE, or AXE can help detect issues, but there’s no substitute for thorough human user testing when confirming real-world usability.
Keeping your web design one step ahead
The EAA represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s an important call for our industry to refine its design practices, and for our clients, it’s an opportunity to position your services as industry-leading. By prioritising accessibility, you’ll not only help meet your legal obligations, you’ll also create more impactful, user-focused designs that enhance the online experience for everyone.
If you’re aiming to achieve an inclusive and EAA-compliant design that sells your brand to every single website visitor, you’re in the right place. We have decades of experience in web design excellence, so why not get in touch about your next project today?
