Accessible design means making sure as many people as possible can read, understand and use what you produce. That includes your website and online shop, and also your brochures, signage, menus and packaging.
Why it matters now
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 already requires businesses not to discriminate against disabled people. And since 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act has applied to UK businesses that offer certain products and services to consumers in the EU, including e-commerce. Websites and apps in scope need to meet recognised accessibility principles, generally aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). There are some exemptions, including for the smallest service businesses, so check with a specialist adviser if you sell into Europe.
But regulation is only part of the story. Accessible design simply reaches more customers, and it tends to be clearer and easier to use for everyone.
Accessibility basics we build into every project
- Colour contrast: text that stands out clearly from its background. Pale grey on white may look elegant, but many people struggle to read it.
- Don’t rely on colour alone: pair colour with labels, icons or patterns, so information still works for people with colour blindness.
- Readable typography: sensible font sizes, clear typefaces, generous line spacing and left-aligned text for longer passages.
- Clear hierarchy: logical headings and structure that help people scan and that screen readers can follow.
- Plain language: short sentences and everyday words.
- Alt text and captions for images and video online.
- Print considerations: matt stocks reduce glare, and good contrast matters even more under varied lighting.
Accessibility and great design go together
There’s a myth that accessible design has to look plain. In reality, the constraints often lead to bolder, cleaner and more confident work. Many of the strongest brands in the world are also among the most legible.
Building it in from the start
Accessibility is far easier and cheaper to get right at the design stage than to fix afterwards. We consider it from the first concept, and we can review your existing brand colours, literature and web graphics to spot quick wins.
Want your brand to work for every customer? Get in touch for an accessibility-minded design review.
Sources
- What the European Accessibility Act means for UK businesses, Stevens & Bolton