Designing Accessible Interfaces in the Era of Web 5.0 and the European Accessibility Act

Digital design is undergoing an evolution—Web 5.0 places the user at the center, and regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) are enforcing real changes in UX approaches. Digital accessibility is no longer just a best practice but a legal necessity and a competitive advantage. Companies that fail to adapt their websites and applications may not only lose users but also face legal consequences.

The internet has evolved significantly, with each version changing how we interact with technology:

• Web 1.0 (1990s) – Era of static pages: Users could only read content without interaction or personalization.

• Web 2.0 (2000–2010) – Social internet: Introduction of interactivity, user-generated content, and social media.

• Web 3.0 (2010–2020) – Era of data and AI: Personalized content through AI and big data; semantic web understanding user queries.

• Web 4.0 (2020–present) – Era of IoT and automation: Integration of AI, IoT, and automation; focus on user convenience.

• Web 5.0 (future) – Internet of empathy and full interaction: Technology adapts to users on emotional and cognitive levels; AI, VR, and BCI enable intuitive, barrier-free interaction; UX must be inclusive—digital accessibility is foundational.

What does Web 5.0 mean for users?

• Emotionally and needs-tailored internet: AI analyzes user emotions and adjusts content accordingly.

• Zero barriers to technology access: Interfaces operable not just by touch or mouse but also by voice, eye movement, or even thoughts.

• Full UX personalization: Websites dynamically adapt to user capabilities (e.g., high-contrast versions for visually impaired users).

Examples of Web 5.0 technologies:

• AI assistants: Systems predicting user needs and adjusting interfaces in real-time.

• Neural interfaces: Future of digital interaction without the need for hands or voice.

• Virtual and augmented reality: New ways to navigate online content.

Digital accessibility is becoming a legally regulated standard. The introduction of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in 2025 means companies must design digital products accessible to all users, regardless of limitations.

Implications for UX designers and developers:

• Inclusive design from the start: Avoid retrofitting accessibility features later.

• Increased UX testing with diverse users: Including individuals with various disabilities.

• Implementing AI in accessibility: Technologies that adapt interfaces to individual user needs.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

The EAA is an EU directive aiming to remove barriers in accessing digital products and services. It covers a wide range of sectors, including:

• E-commerce platforms

• Mobile apps and company websites

• Digital banking and financial services

• Electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and e-books

• VOD, transport, and communication services

• Payment terminals and ATMs

Implications:

• From 2025, companies are legally required to ensure digital accessibility of their websites and applications.

• Non-compliance with the EAA may result in financial penalties and exclusion from the EU market.

The EAA is based on WCAG 2.1 standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), meaning companies must meet specific UX and accessibility requirements.

1. Full keyboard operability: All functions (buttons, forms, menus) must work without a mouse; users with motor disabilities should navigate the site using keyboard shortcuts.

2. Contrast and content readability: Text contrast must be at least 4.5:1 for visually impaired users; ability to resize fonts without losing functionality.

3. Screen reader compatibility and alternative content formats: Sites must work correctly with programs like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver; all images must have alt text; videos and multimedia must include captions and audio descriptions.

4. Clear and logical navigation: Sites must have a consistent and predictable structure; users should not be redirected to another page without warning.

5. Simple and understandable forms: Forms should be easy to complete, with clear instructions and error messages.

The EAA covers all companies offering their services in the European Union, regardless of whether they are registered in the EU. This means that even American or Asian corporations selling products and services in the European market will have to comply with the new accessibility requirements.

Who is NOT affected by the EAA?

Small companies with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover of less than €2 million a year are exempt from full EAA compliance. However, already medium and large companies will have to bring their digital products into compliance with the new regulations.

This means that e-commerce, banking, service platforms and media services need to start auditing their websites and applications now in order to be in time before June 25, 2025.

The consequences of noncompliance will be severe:

• The possibility of financial penalties by regulators.
• Blocking access to the EU market for unavailable digital products and services.
• Deterioration of brand image and an exodus of customers who prefer companies that care about inclusivity.

The European Accessibility Act is not just a law – it’s a step toward a more open Internet for every user.

• Companies must comply with WCAG 2.1 to ensure that their websites and applications are fully accessible.
• The obligation applies to most digital sectors – e-commerce, banking, online services.
• Non-compliance with the EAA risks sanctions, and users can complain about inaccessible services.

Conclusion:

• It’s better to start UX customization now than to wait until the last minute.
• Digital accessibility is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity to reach new users.
• Companies that adapt to EAA will have a competitive advantage.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) enforces changes in how digital interfaces are designed. However, inclusive UX is not just about meeting minimum legal requirements — it’s primarily about creating products that are accessible and friendly for every user. Implementing the right solutions improves the usability of websites and applications, leading to a better user experience, higher conversion rates, and lower bounce rates.

What UX practices should become standard to make a website more accessible?

1. Designing in line with WCAG – the foundation of accessibility

The WCAG 2.1 standard (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) defines the principles of accessible web design. It is based on four main pillars:

• Perceivable – content must be available to different user groups (e.g., alt text for images, subtitles for videos).

• Operable – navigation and interactions must work regardless of the device or method of control.

• Understandable – content should be written in plain, clear language, and the interface should be predictable.

• Robust – the website should be compatible with various assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers).

How to implement WCAG in practice?

• Proper text contrast (at least 4.5:1 for body text, 3:1 for large headings).

• Alt text for images, icons, and buttons to help blind users understand their function.

• Easily accessible captions and audio descriptions for videos and audio materials.

• Keyboard support – all functionalities must be available without using a mouse.

Did you know?
According to the WebAIM Million study, 96.3% of websites contain accessibility errors. The most common include missing alt text, low contrast, and incorrect heading structure.

2. Intuitive and predictable navigation – no frustration

Navigation should be clear and predictable for every user, regardless of their skills or limitations.

Common mistakes designers make:

• Hiding important menu elements in overly complex dropdowns.

• Lack of logical heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3), which complicates screen reader usage.

• No clear feedback – users don’t know whether their action (e.g., clicking a button) was successful.

How to fix it:

• Visible, intuitive menus – always easy to find, without hiding essential options.

• Proper content hierarchy – using H1, H2, H3 correctly for clarity and screen reader compatibility.

• Clear feedback messages – if the user makes an error in a form, they should see a helpful prompt right away.

3. Personalization and flexibility – UX adapted to the user

Not every user engages with the internet in the same way — some need extra options to tailor the interface to their needs.

• High contrast mode – for visually impaired users.

• Font resizing – without breaking the layout.

• Dark mode – a popular feature that improves readability.

• Adjustable animation speed – for users with neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy).

Technologies supporting UX personalization:

• CSS prefers-reduced-motion – lets users disable excessive UI animations.

• AI that analyzes user requires – e.g., detecting screen readers and tailoring the interface for blind users.

4. Alternative interaction methods – accessibility for all

Not every user can navigate a website using a mouse — UX must account for alternative input methods.

• Voice control – websites should support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.

• Keyboard navigation – users should be able to move with Tab, Enter, or Space.

• Eye tracking – evolving technology that allows hands-free interaction.

Fun fact:
Elon Musk is testing mind-controlled interfaces — his company Neuralink is developing implants that allow users to control digital devices with their thoughts. That’s the future of accessible UX.

5. Simple and accessible forms – no communication barriers

Contact, registration, or checkout forms are often user-unfriendly — which is a major accessibility problem.

Typical issues:

• Missing field labels – users don’t know what to enter.

• Hidden error messages – users don’t know what they did wrong.

• Strict format requirements (e.g., “Enter phone number as +48 123-456-789”).

How to improve this?

• Every field should have a clear label and helpful example (e.g., “Enter your email: [email protected]”).

• Errors should be visually highlighted (e.g., red-bordered fields) and explained in plain language.

• Optional fields should be clearly marked to avoid overwhelming users.

TL;DR – how to implement accessible UX?

Key principles of accessible design:

• Follow WCAG 2.1 – adhere to accessibility standards.

• Clear navigation – easy to explore the site.

• Interface personalization – flexible settings for diverse users.

• Mouse-free operability – support users with limited mobility.

• Accessible forms – remove communication barriers.

Implementing accessible UX is more than just complying with the EAA — it’s an investment in better user experience and higher conversions.

Web 5.0 is the era of empathetic internet, where UX adapts to the user in real-time. With AI, augmented reality (AR), and brain-computer interfaces (BCI), the internet becomes more intuitive and accessible for everyone—regardless of abilities or technological limitations.

How Web 5.0 will improve UX accessibility:

• Interface adaptation to individual needs: AI analyzes user behavior and automatically adjusts the site’s appearance and functionalities.

• New interaction methods: Voice control, eye movement, touch, or even thoughts.

• Minimizing technological barriers: Technologies like AR assist users with mobility or visual impairments.

Fun fact: Google is already testing AI-based technologies that help people with disabilities navigate the internet and reality. One example is Lookout, an app using AI to recognize surroundings and describe them to blind users.

What Web 5.0 technologies will improve accessibility?

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – dynamic UX personalization

AI is becoming a key element of inclusive UX, enabling real-time interface personalization.

• Adapting the interface to the user – AI analyzes how users interact with applications and automatically adjusts layout, contrast, font size, or activates voice support.

• User error autocorrection – AI can suggest corrections in forms, helping reduce frustration.

• Predictive user support – smart assistants analyze user behavior and suggest the best solutions.

Example:
Google Lens allows blind users to “read” text in their environment, recognize products, and even translate languages in real time.

2. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) in UX

AR and VR technologies will help people with disabilities move more freely through both digital and physical spaces.

• Virtual interfaces instead of physical barriers – people with limited mobility can access the internet without relying on physical input devices.

• Simulating user experiences – VR can be used to test UX accessibility by simulating the experience of blind users or those with other limitations.

• Interactive instructions for deaf users – for example, avatars translating content into sign language.

Example:
IKEA already uses AR to let users visualize furniture in their homes – this solution could be adapted to help blind users “see” their surroundings digitally.

3. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) – mind-controlled interfaces

This future technology may completely eliminate barriers in interacting with digital devices.

• Controlling websites using thought – no need for keyboards or touchscreens.

• Full integration with voice assistants – users can issue commands without using their hands.

• A breakthrough for people with limited mobility – removing the need for physical interaction with devices.

Fun fact:
Elon Musk’s company Neuralink is conducting advanced BCI tests, enabling users to control digital devices using only brain signals. In the future, this technology may revolutionize UX interactions.

What challenges come with inclusive UX in Web 5.0?

While new technologies open up incredible opportunities for digital accessibility, they also introduce several challenges:

1. User privacy concerns – AI-powered personalization requires behavior analysis, which may raise data privacy issues.

2. High implementation costs – not all companies will be able to afford the integration of AI or AR into their digital products.

3. Standards and regulations – the European Union and other bodies will need to adapt legal frameworks to this new technological reality.

Despite these challenges, Web 5.0 brings unprecedented opportunities for people with disabilities, making the internet more inclusive than ever before.

Key takeaways – what’s worth remembering?

Inclusivity in UX is not just an ethical issue — it’s also a legal obligation and a real business advantage.

• The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will change the game – from 2025, inaccessible websites may face financial penalties and be blocked from the EU market.

• Web 5.0 unlocks new opportunities for inclusive UX – AI, AR/VR, and mind-controlled interfaces can make the internet more accessible than ever before.

• UX must become flexible and personalized – users should be able to adapt the interface to their own needs.

• Alternative interaction methods are becoming standard – voice, keyboard, eye-tracking, and brain-computer interfaces (BCI).

• Adapting UX for accessibility not only fulfills legal requirements but also boosts conversion rates, reduces bounce rates, and builds user loyalty.

Companies that start adapting their digital products today will avoid legal issues and gain a competitive edge.

How to implement inclusive UX? A practical action plan

1. Conduct an accessibility audit of your website and app

• Use tools like Google Lighthouse, WAVE, or axe DevTools.

• Check whether your interface meets WCAG 2.1 requirements.

• Evaluate whether all content (text, multimedia, forms) is accessible to users with disabilities.

2. Apply key UX principles aligned with WCAG 2.1

• Increase text contrast to improve readability for visually impaired users.

• Add alternative text (alt tags) for all images and icons.

• Ensure full keyboard navigation throughout the site.

• Include clear and simple error messages in forms.

3. Personalize the interface – flexible UX for everyone

• Allow users to adjust font size and contrast.

• Enable high contrast mode and dark mode options.

• Provide control over animation and motion effects for users with sensory sensitivities.

4. Optimize UX for different interaction methods

• Ensure compatibility with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver).

• Implement voice control and integration with AI assistants (Siri, Google Assistant).

• If possible, test or introduce basic AR/VR features or eye-tracking interaction.

5. Test accessibility with real users

• Collaborate with people with different disabilities to assess whether the interface is intuitive.

• Conduct UX tests, gather feedback, and make improvements based on real user experiences.

6. Prepare an EAA compliance strategy before 2025

• If you operate an e-commerce platform, service portal, or online banking – EAA compliance is essential.

• Create a roadmap for implementing UX changes in accordance with legal requirements.

• Educate your design and development teams on digital accessibility.

What are the benefits of implementing accessible UX?

Digital accessibility isn’t just about regulations – it brings tangible business value:

• Wider audience reach – you engage users who previously faced difficulties accessing your site.

• Higher conversion rates – accessible interfaces are more intuitive and user-friendly.

• Stronger brand reputation – inclusivity builds user loyalty and a positive brand image.

• Lower bounce rates – easier navigation encourages users to stay longer.

• Legal compliance – adapting to the EAA helps you avoid penalties and market restrictions.

The future of UX – inclusivity as a standard, not a feature

The digital world is moving toward full accessibility — companies that fail to adapt will lose both users and market share.

• Web 5.0 opens new doors for UX, but aligning technology with users’ real needs will be crucial.

• AI, VR, and neural interfaces will become an integral part of accessible user interactions.

• The EAA is only the beginning – the future of UX is full accessibility as a standard.

Companies that embrace inclusive UX today will gain a competitive advantage and access to new markets.

Don’t wait until June — start optimizing your UX for accessibility now!