Keep it clear — accessible content design helps us all
Do you wear glasses? I do. And just like when my glasses sit forgotten on the kitchen counter at home while I squint at my screen at the office, accessibility is everyday life.
Accessible content design goes far beyond helping people with disabilities. It's about removing barriers for everyone in those moments when life gets complicated, like when you’re juggling groceries while trying to manage a toddler and find the last bus home.
Who needs accessible content?
The simple truth: We all do.
Accessible content helps everyone, whether you're:
A worker trying to focus in a noisy place.
A client reviewing proposals on a small phone screen.
A language learner dealing with complicated paperwork.
A parent filling out forms while holding a squirming baby.
An older adult making a medical appointment online.
Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stressed.
Accessible content meets people where they are. People might be facing permanent, temporary, or situational challenges. When content is accessible, it works for everyone, everywhere.
Why accessible content matters now
By June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires businesses operating in the EU to make their digital content accessible. Yes, accessible content helps you comply with the law and follow the rules, but it also improves the user experience for all users and helps you stay ahead of the competition.
Key principles of accessible content
Accessible content design ensures everyone can understand and access the information, no matter their circumstances.
Accessible content is:
Clear: It avoids unnecessary complexity and jargon.
Contextual: It provides enough — but not too much – background to make sense.
Respectful: It values the user’s time and attention.
Adaptable: It works across devices and environments and with assistive tools.
Practical tips for creating accessible content
If it's important, don't imply it.
Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Never assume:
How or where people use your service.
Users have the same knowledge as you.
Everyone faces the same challenges as you.
People can read between the lines.
Write for understanding
Use clear, direct language.
Aim for an appropriate reading level, like grade 8.
Avoid jargon and overly technical terms.
Share relatable examples.
Write in active voice.
Create a clear structure
Organize content in a logical flow, be it step-by-step or most important things first.
Use clear headings and subheadings.
Break information into short sections.
Add white space to reduce visual clutter.
Use bullet points to highlight key points.
Three ways accessible content boosts your business
Accessible content is good business — it’s that simple. Everyone benefits from useful, clear content.
Reach more people
When your content works for everyone, you expand your market. Accessible content helps people with disabilities, mobile users, older adults, and those in challenging environments use your product. That’s a big group of people.Improve user experience
Easy-to-use content reduces frustration, increases user satisfaction, and builds trust. When people understand your services easily, they are more likely to engage and return.Stand out in search
Well-structured content with clear headings, descriptive alt text, and readable language ranks higher in search results and boosts your SEO.
Industry examples: Accessibility in action
Healthcare
Replace medical jargon with clear, everyday language.
Explain things plainly and directly: don’t sugar-coat or use metaphors.
Create step-by-step treatment instructions.
Use visuals to explain medical processes clearly.
Create materials that work for different reading levels and languages.
Financial services
Explain financial terms in everyday language.
Provide real-life examples for complex concepts.
Create clear step-by-step guides.
Highlight key information.
Offer tools that help users compare products.
Technology
Write interface text that is intuitive and easy to read.
Label navigation clearly and consistently.
Provide help guides that answer questions directly.
Use consistent language across your product.
Government and public services
Translate bureaucratic language into everyday terms.
Create easy-to-fill forms with clear instructions and informative error and confirmation messages.
Offer information in multiple formats (text, audio, video, visual).
Explain services, processes, and rights in ways that meet diverse reading levels and language needs.
Accessibility is an act of empathy
Accessible content is more than just meeting guidelines and writing clearly. It shows you care. It says:
“I see you. I understand your challenges. I’m here to help.”
Content that works for everyone
Do you feel overwhelmed with your content challenges? We can help you design content that works for everyone. Let’s talk!
