User Experience
WCAG
Also known as: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Plain English
Rules for making products accessible.
Definition
WCAG is a set of guidelines for making digital content accessible to people with disabilities.
In practice
Used to ensure products meet serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service standards such as contrast, glossaryNavigationNavigation is the system of menus, links, and cues that lets people move through a product and reach what they need. It exposes the underlying structure, and is how most users experience that structure.Open glossary term, and glossaryScreen ReaderA screen reader is software that reads digital content aloud for users who cannot see the screen.Open glossary term support.
In context
The levels are a floor, not a finish line. A page can meet AA in full and still be exhausting to use with a glossaryScreen ReaderA screen reader is software that reads digital content aloud for users who cannot see the screen.Open glossary term.
The reality
Often treated as a checklist rather than a glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term standard.
Compared with
WCAG vs Accessibility
WCAG is a specific set of testable guidelines. serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service is the outcome of people being able to use the thing. Conformance is strong evidence of glossaryAccessibilityAccessibility is the practice of designing products so they can be used by people with a wide range of abilities, including those with disabilities. It ensures that content and functionality are available to as many users as possible.Open glossary term and not a guarantee of it. Only testing with real users establishes that.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is WCAG?
serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service guidelines for digital products.
Why is WCAG important?
It ensures products are usable by everyone.
What does WCAG cover?
serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service areas like contrast, glossaryNavigationNavigation is the system of menus, links, and cues that lets people move through a product and reach what they need. It exposes the underlying structure, and is how most users experience that structure.Open glossary term, and content.
Is WCAG mandatory?
In many sectors, it is required for compliance.
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