Accessibility is not just a technical measure that can be implemented once and then forgotten. It is a comprehensive way of approaching online communication and digital services. An accessible site is a good site for all users.

Without active work, the functionalities of a web service remain out of reach for a vast number of people. In Finland alone, it is estimated that over a million people need accessible web services.

What does accessibility mean and who does it help?

An accessible web service serves people equally, taking into account the needs arising from age, disabilities, illnesses, impaired senses, or temporary limitations.

There are numerous needs and combinations of needs to consider.

The user experience must be clear and manageable, for instance, for a screen reader user or a person who operates a computer using only a keyboard or another assistive device. Additionally, an accessible site takes into account conditions and diseases that impair or distort vision, as well as various concentration and learning difficulties.

Aging population increases the need for accessibility

The need for accessible services is not only related to severe or incurable diseases. Aging affects each of us, usually manifesting as a decline in sensory or motor skills. By improving the accessibility of your web services, you are doing a service for your future self and loved ones. 

The COVID-19 era led to more over 55-year-olds making their purchases online. The aging population also means that the accessibility of e-commerce becomes an important factor in boosting sales.

Besides aging, a large part of us benefit from accessibility, for instance, due to temporary illness or accident.

There may also be another external reason that limits one's ability to use a computer or mobile devices. In public places, it is courteous to watch videos without sound, which may require subtitles. Environmental noise can weaken anyone's ability to concentrate.

If the use of a web service is too difficult, its use will be interrupted—regardless of the reason for the difficulty. A user who has interrupted their interaction once is challenging to entice back.

Achieving accessibility requires active effort

Over the years, web services have become more complex. Consequently, achieving accessibility also requires active attention to the matter at every stage of site development.

Without systematic work, some service functionalities may be impossible or very difficult for some people to use.

Web services often have functions intended to interrupt the user and capture the user's attention through motion, such as automatically moving image carousels and unexpectedly opening ads and pop-ups. These not only disturb nearly all visitors but also cause insurmountable problems for some users. To enhance user experience and accessibility, avoid these features.

Auditing helps prioritize work

When we at Crasman start improving the accessibility of an existing web service, we begin with assessing the current situation, or an accessibility audit. After this, we plan and prioritize the necessary changes to quickly resolve the most critical issues.

Often, navigation is the first to be fixed. Without properly implemented navigation, the journey ends for many at a wall, and all other investments in the service are wasted money. Another important area for improvement is forms, as they are used in many critical features such as searches and various stages of orders.

Some accessibility improvements do not affect the appearance of the web service in any way. Such improvements can facilitate the use of the web service with assistive technologies.

There is a significant difference between whether a service is "possible to use" or "enjoyable to use." If you want to aim for better, consider the whole picture instead of just the technical implementation. Also, look at the content: Is the language clear, are the instructions easily understandable? If you only read the page titles and link texts, do you understand what it's about and how to proceed?

An experienced partner can help assess the level of accessibility you should aim for and what achieving it requires.

Accessibility is economically viable

The Digital Services Act currently requires accessibility primarily from public entities, but other actors should also be proactive about the matter. With the EU's new Accessibility Directive, accessibility requirements will, in the coming years, also extend to areas such as e-commerce, transport, and media services.

Not everyone yet feels the need to consider accessibility in their web service. When considering lost customers, rather than saving money, money is lost. If customers demand their rights through legal means, crisis management, sanctions, and loss of reputation can be costly.

There is a vast number of people worldwide who find it difficult to use most online stores and services. If you are at the forefront in your industry, you have better chances of gaining them as long-term customers.

We help you develop your operations

At Crasman, the new law has also accelerated accessibility practices. We have conducted accessibility audits for our clients, carried out development projects for them, and organized training sessions.

Therefore, accessibility is not just a technical measure that can be switched on or off. It is a comprehensive way of approaching online communication and digital services: treating customers as equals and developing business through wise and responsible values.

Would you like to assess the current level of accessibility of your web service?

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