Think like a user!
Steve Jobs used this principle to build one of the most valuable companies in the world—Apple.
What was Apple’s secret? From the beginning, the company approached its products and services from a different perspective—that of the user. Staying true to its founder’s philosophy, Apple continues to emphasize the accessibility of its products.
Now, in 2025, accessibility is a topic that every organization needs to address.
The European Accessibility Act and its impact
The European Accessibility Act / EAA requires all organizations to ensure their products and services are accessible in the future. This regulation brings changes, but most importantly, it demands a change in mindset. In recent years, awareness of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has grown. Society is beginning to change, and people who live with motor, sensory, or cognitive impairments have begun to reframe the narrative: I am not disabled—my environment is not designed to be user-friendly.
Accessible products and services must meet four criteria:
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
Background, facts & figures
The statistics speak for themselves
10% of people in Germany have a severe disability.
15% of people worldwide are severely disable.
45% of those with severe disabilities are between 55 and 74 years old—highlighting the strong link between age and disability.
29% of today’s population is over 65 years, meaning the number of people with disabilities will continue to rise.
94% of all disabilities are acquired during a person’s lifetime.
Designing products and services with disabilities in mind isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision.
An accessible portfolio offers competitive advantages
Companies that provide accessible products and services have the following advantages:
- Expanded target audience – Reach more potential customers.
- Reduced costs – Later adaptations are not required.
- Improved SEO – Clean, accessible code enhances search rankings
- Strengthened brand perception – Demonstrates empathy and supports ESG principles.
Conclusion
According to the criteria listed above, accessibility depends on content properties AND communication. Clear, inclusive design creates a connection and a shared understanding. Organizations can build on this shared understanding, for example, to reach a common goal. In our core competence of internal communication of HR and Total Rewards, this critical concept is at the heart of all Unequity client projects.
It is clear that accessibility isn’t a barrier, but rather sustainable in the best sense of the word.
In our next blog on this subject, we’ll provide concrete tips for creating accessible text and images. Stay tuned!
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Your contact person
- simone[@]unequity.com
- +49 (0) 174 / 310 78 27
- Simone Schmitt-Schillig
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