Design for Accessibility

The Invisible Barrier

Why Web Accessibility Matters for Over a Billion People

Over a billion people worldwide experience some form of impairment that affects their ability to access and read content on the web.

As the global population ages, this challenge will only grow—currently, 1 in 11 people are over 65, a number expected to rise to 1 in 6 by 2050. Visual impairments are also widespread, with 1 in 12 men experiencing colour blindness, 1 in 10 people having dyslexia, and 1 in 25 living with blindness or significant visual impairment. These statistics highlight the urgent need for more accessible digital experiences that cater to diverse user needs.

Understanding Impairments and Their Impact on Digital Accessibility

Impairments affect a person’s body structure, function, or mental processing, impacting how they interact with the world, including the digital space. These can take many forms:

• Vision impairments: Blindness, low vision, or colour blindness.
• Hearing impairments: Deafness or difficulty hearing.
• Physical or motor impairments: Limited fine motor control or slowed movement.
• Cognitive and neurological impairments: Learning disabilities, distractions, or difficulties with decision-making.

Not all impairments are permanent—many are temporary or situational. A person in a loud crowd may struggle to hear, just as someone driving a car may experience visual limitations. New parents often navigate daily tasks with one hand, similar to someone with a permanent motor impairment. Even external factors, like sensory overload from an overwhelming day, can impact how someone processes information—much like struggling with a slow internet connection or an outdated web browser.

Recognising these variations in ability highlights why accessible design isn’t just about disability, it’s about creating better experiences for everyone.

Our Commitment to Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA Compliance

At Box UK, we are committed to building digital solutions that are not only high-performing and scalable but also accessible to all users. Whether it’s a website, a mobile app, or a complex digital platform, we ensure our applications meet at least WCAG AA compliance. An essential benchmark for accessibility and inclusivity.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the globally recognised standards for digital accessibility. Developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines define how web content should be designed and structured to support users with disabilities.

By following WCAG, organisations can ensure their digital products are accessible to a wider audience, comply with legal accessibility requirements, and deliver an inclusive user experience. WCAG covers key aspects of design, content, and code, offering a structured approach to making digital experiences more accessible.

What Does WCAG AA Compliance Mean for Design?

WCAG AA compliance sets a strong foundation for accessibility, balancing inclusivity with aesthetic and functional considerations.

At Box UK, we embed these principles into our design systems to ensure digital products are both visually appealing and accessible.

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are a few key recommendations our design team considers when applying accessibility principles:

Typography: Prioritising Readability

• We avoid decorative typefaces in favor of clear, legible fonts.
• A maximum of two typefaces ensures consistency across the site.
• Proper heading structures and semantic HTML enhance navigation.
• Body text remains at a minimum of 16px for readability, with smaller text (no smaller than 12px) reserved for secondary content.

Colour: Enhancing Visibility Without Reliance

• All text and UI elements maintain a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments.
• Colour is used as a supporting visual cue rather than the sole means of conveying information

Touch Targets & Interaction: Supporting All Users

• Buttons and links have a minimum touch target size of 44px for ease of use.
• Focus states are clear and consistent across all interactive elements, ensuring seamless navigation for keyboard and screen reader users.

UX Writing: Clarity and Simplicity

• We keep language simple and jargon-free to support users of all literacy levels and non-native speakers.
• Call-to-action labels are action-driven and descriptive, replacing vague terms like “Click here” or “Read more.”

Accessibility Beyond Design

While design is the foundation of accessibility, true inclusivity requires a holistic approach. Logical information architecture, structured content, and accessible development practices all play a crucial role in delivering a seamless experience for all users.

At Box UK, we integrate accessibility into every stage of our process—ensuring that our digital solutions empower organisations to reach and serve diverse audiences effectively.

By prioritising accessibility, businesses not only enhance usability but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, setting themselves apart as leaders in the digital space. If you’re looking to build accessible, high-performance digital solutions, our team at Box UK is ready to help.