Wordpress Blog

Blog

  • Web usability for older adults: 7 keys to inclusive design

    Web usability for older adults: 7 keys to inclusive design

    How to improve the digital experience for senior users with effective accessibility practices.

    Usability for older adults: keys to designing inclusive websites 👵💻

    The global population is aging and, with it, the number of older adults who use the Internet daily is increasing. However, many websites and applications don’t take into account their specific needs, causing frustration, task abandonment, and digital exclusion.

    At Inclusif, we believe that accessibility is not just about complying with WCAG standards, but creating digital experiences that are friendly, intuitive, and universal. Below, we share the main recommendations for improving usability for older adults, based on Nielsen Norman Group studies:

    1. Simple and clear designs 🎨

    Cluttered interfaces with too many visual elements can be overwhelming. A minimalist design, with white space, clear hierarchies, and visible buttons, facilitates navigation.

    2. Accessible typography and contrast 🔍

    Older adults often have more limited vision. Therefore, it’s essential to:

    • Use large typography (minimum 16 px) and sans-serif fonts
    • Maintain good contrast between text and background, following WCAG guidelines (level AA or AAA)

    3. Intuitive and predictable navigation 🧭

    Navigation should be coherent and easy to understand. It’s recommended to:

    • Offer simple menus with clear categories
    • Avoid ambiguous section names or technical jargon
    • Always include a “back” button or access to the main page

    4. Easy-to-complete forms ✍️

    Forms are one of the highest abandonment points. To improve them:

    • Limit the number of fields to the minimum necessary
    • Include clear labels and examples in the fields
    • Use large and visible buttons

    5. Sufficient time to perform tasks ⏳

    Some older adults need more time to read, process information, or complete actions. Websites should:

    • Avoid strict time limits (like sessions that expire quickly)
    • Allow saving progress in forms or long processes

    6. Use of visual aids and simple language 📖

    Content should be written in direct and easy-to-understand language, avoiding technical terms. Additionally, icons and visual elements should accompany and reinforce information, not replace it.

    7. Compatibility with assistive technologies ♿

    It’s crucial to ensure that the website is compatible with screen readers, digital magnifiers, and other devices that many older adults use to navigate.

    Why is usability for older adults so important?

    Designing with this group in mind is not only a matter of accessibility, but also of business. Older adults are an audience with great purchasing power and are increasingly digitally active. A website that’s difficult to use is a lost customer.

    How can Inclusif help you? 🚀

    • At Inclusif, we help your company to:
    • Audit your website to detect accessibility and usability problems
    • Train your team in inclusive design
    • Implement improvements that guarantee an accessible experience for all ages

    The next step? Request a free audit with our analyzer and discover how to transform your website into an accessible space for everyone.

    Source: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/accessibility-inclusivity-study-guide/

  • Why accessibility widgets are no longer enough in the Digital Kit

    Why accessibility widgets are no longer enough in the Digital Kit

    Accessibility widgets promise quick solutions, but do they really comply with WCAG and current laws?

    The problem with “magic solutions” ⚠️

    Many organizations implement accessibility widgets, hoping to quickly comply with legal regulations or improve the experience for their users with disabilities. These widgets typically promise “automatic” accessibility by simply copying and pasting code into the website. But the reality is different.

    While these tools can offer useful functions—such as contrast enhancement, font size changes, or text-to-speech—they don’t correct errors in the source code nor guarantee real compliance with WCAG 2.2. Moreover, they don’t replace an audit or structural adaptation of the site.

    During the first years of the Digital Kit, web accessibility was evaluated quite leniently. It was enough to present an Excel sheet that digital agents filled out with generic statements about WCAG guideline compliance.

    However, this has changed. And it’s an important change.

    Technical limitations of widgets 🛠️

    • They don’t detect or correct semantic errors (such as incorrect use of HTML tags).
    • They don’t improve keyboard navigation or guarantee logical heading structures.
    • They don’t resolve barriers in forms, sliders, menus, or video players.

    Legal and reputational risks ⚖️💥

    In the European context, and particularly in Spain, laws such as Royal Decree 1112/2018 require that websites of public administrations and certain private sectors comply with WCAG 2.2 level AA. Relying solely on widgets is not a legally valid solution and can expose you to sanctions or claims.

    Additionally, some entities that use only widgets have been reported for poor accessibility, which negatively affects their reputation and credibility.

    The real alternative: audit, improvement and commitment 💡✅

    For a site to be truly accessible:

    • 🔎 A complete technical evaluation is needed (ideally combining automatic tools like Inclusif’s analyzer and manual review).
    • 🛠️ Changes must be applied to the code and design that benefit all users.
    • 📜 A transparent accessibility statement must be published.
    • 👥 It’s advisable to train the team so they can maintain that level of accessibility over time.

    How Inclusif helps you 🚀🌍

    At Inclusif, we combine automatic analysis with manual audits supported by experts.

    We offer you a clear roadmap, without needing to depend on third parties: you can implement the changes yourself or count on our consulting service.

    📄 We also help you generate your accessibility statement and justify possible cases of disproportionate burden if necessary.

    ✨ The goal is not to cover up, but to transform your website into a truly accessible space.

    Conclusion 🧠

    Widgets can be a complement, but they should never be the only measure. Real accessibility requires commitment, technical verification, and concrete action.

    The next step? Make your site truly accessible. You won’t just comply with the law: you’ll also improve the experience for all your users.

    If you want to try our accessibility scanner to check some of the points where your page’s accessibility is lacking, you can try it for free here.

    Our goal is clear: to make the greatest number of websites truly accessible. Because an accessible website doesn’t just avoid sanctions or remediation: it improves the experience for all users.

  • Accessibility Laws in France: RGAA, EAA, and the Future of the Inclusive Web

    Accessibility Laws in France: RGAA, EAA, and the Future of the Inclusive Web

    Discover the legal obligations, penalties, and key dates that every organization needs to know to ensure digital accessibility in France.

    Digital Accessibility in France: A Clear Vision

    Salut! 🌍 In France, digital accessibility is no longer just a good practice—it’s a legal obligation! Let’s discover how.

    In France, digital accessibility has stopped being an option to become a legal and social imperative. With more adults with disabilities registered each, ensuring that everyone can access online information is a national priority. This is where RGAA (Référentiel Général d’Accessibilité pour les Administrations) comes in—the framework that defines the rules of the game.

    What is RGAA and who does it apply to?

    RGAA is the French technical standard that translates WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the European standard EN 301 549 into verifiable requirements. Its objective is clear: that digital public services (websites, apps, intranets, software) be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, older adults, or any user with temporary barriers.

    Its legal basis? Article 47 of Law No. 2005-102 (Law for Equal Rights and Opportunities), updated in 2023. It applies mandatorily to:

    • Public organizations and administrations
    • Private companies with average annual revenue > 250 million euros (averaged over 3 years)

    Although SMEs are not explicitly required to comply, RGAA serves as a guide for best practices to avoid legal risks and expand their market reach.

    What Article 47 requires (Update 2023)

    Mandatory Accessibility Statement: Must be published on the homepage, detailing the level of compliance and pending areas.

    Multi-year Action Plan: Public document with deadlines for correcting barriers and maintaining accessibility.

    Staff Training: Accessibility training for teams that develop or manage digital services.

    Broad Coverage: Applies to all online public communication services (with very limited exceptions, such as non-essential archive content).

    “Disproportionate Burden”: Organizations can claim it, but it must be justified according to strict criteria defined by decree.

    Risks of non-compliance: Beyond fines Inaccessibility has tangible consequences

    Lawsuits: Any affected person can claim compensation

    Reputational Damage: After a complaint, the entity has 6 months to correct. If it persists, it’s officially declared “non-compliant”

    Loss of Audience: You exclude millions of potential users

    7 Key measures to avoid risks and become RGAA-Compliant

    1. Regular Audits: Identify gaps with tools and real user testing
    2. Alternative Text (alt text): Add alternative text to all informative images. This way, accessibility assistance tools can aid users to understand the images.
    3. Subtitles and Transcriptions: In videos and audio, in order to help deaf users.
    4. Color Contrast: With a minimum 4.5:1 for normal text (necessary to accomplish AA)
    5. Keyboard Navigation: Implement complete functionality without mouse, so users can navigate the web by only using the keyboard.
    6. Forms and Buttons: Properly labeled and accessible. With this, accessibility assistance tools can help the users to navigate in a satisfactory way.
    7. Flexibility: Allow text size adjustment without losing functionality. You can allow this by using a web component, such as the one Inclusif offers.

    Conclusion: Accessibility is an opportunity

    RGAA is not just a French legal requirement; it’s a gateway to innovation and real inclusion. Organizations that adopt it not only avoid sanctions but demonstrate social commitment, improve their user experience, and reach a broader market.

    Ready to transform your digital presence in France? At Inclusif, we accompany you with audits, specialized training, and technical solutions so your organization not only complies but stands out for being truly inclusive.

    Visit Inclusif‘s main page and discover how easy it is to create a digital space without barriers. Make your website accessible now.
    Source: https://accessibilite.numerique.gouv.fr/

  • Navigating Digital Accessibility in Germany: From BITV to BFSG

    Navigating Digital Accessibility in Germany: From BITV to BFSG

    Understanding the shift from public sector requirements to the new Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) and what it means for the private sector.

    The German Standard: Efficiency, Precision, and Digital Inclusion

    Germany has long been known for its high standards in engineering and quality. It’s no surprise, then, that their approach to digital accessibility is equally thorough. While many are familiar with the broader EU directives, Germany has specific frameworks that turn these high-level ideals into actionable law.

    As we move toward 2025, the German legal landscape is undergoing its biggest shift in decades. For businesses and public entities alike, understanding the difference between BITV and the new BFSG is essential for staying compliant in Europe’s largest economy.

    BITV 2.0: The Blueprint for Public Bodies

    At the core of German accessibility for years has been the BITV (Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung). Initially created to govern federal agencies, its current version—BITV 2.0—is deeply aligned with European standards (EN 301 549) and WCAG.

    BITV isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a strict requirement for public websites, mobile apps, and intranets. It ensures that every citizen can access government services, social security information, and official documents without digital barriers.

    The New Era: The BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz)

    The most significant change for the Inclusif community to watch is the BFSG. While BITV 2.0 primarily covers the public sector, the BFSG (the Accessibility Strengthening Act) brings these requirements to the private sector.

    Effective from June 28, 2025, the BFSG is Germany’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act. It will require a wide range of private companies to make their products and services accessible, including:

    • E-commerce platforms
    • Online banking services
    • Telecommunications
    • Transport services (ticketing and information)
    • E-books and specialized software

    Why German Compliance is Unique

    German law doesn’t just ask you to “be accessible”—it provides a specific roadmap for how to prove it.

    1. Accessibility Statements: Similar to other EU countries, German sites must publish a clear “Erklärung zur Barrierefreiheit” (Accessibility Statement), detailing which parts of the site are accessible and providing a feedback mechanism for users.
    2. Harmonized Standards: Germany follows the European EN 301 549 standard. This is great news for international businesses because if you meet these requirements, you are likely compliant across the entire EU.
    3. Strict Enforcement: Germany is increasingly focusing on enforcement through monitoring bodies that regularly audit public websites to ensure they aren’t falling behind.

    Beyond the Law: The Inclusif Perspective

    At Inclusif, we see the German approach as a model for digital maturity. Designing for the German market isn’t just about avoiding a legal headache; it’s about honoring the principles of Barrierefreiheit (barrier-freedom).

    When you build a digital product that meets these rigorous standards, you are creating a more resilient, high-quality interface that benefits:

    • The Aging Population: Germany has one of the oldest populations in the world; accessible design is essential for their daily digital life.
    • Mobile Users: High-contrast designs and clear navigation improve usability for everyone on the go.
    • Business Growth: By preparing for the BFSG now, your business avoids the rush and potential penalties of 2025 while opening your doors to millions of new customers.

    Is Your Brand Ready for 2025?

    The countdown to the BFSG has begun. Germany’s commitment to a “barrier-free” digital world is an invitation for all of us to raise our standards. Whether you are a public institution or a growing e-commerce brand, the time to audit, adapt, and lead is now.

    Planning to enter the German market? The complexity of BFSG and BITV doesn’t have to be a barrier for your team.
    Contact Inclusif today for a specialized audit and ensure your digital presence is truly barrierefrei.