When you think about user experience (UX), what comes to mind? Clean layouts? Fast load times? Easy-to-use navigation?
And yes, these all come under what we would call good UX, but there is another side that often gets overlooked: accessibility.
The truth is that if your website is not accessible, then it cannot be considered user-friendly. A site that is difficult or even impossible for some people to use is a site that is actively turning potential customers away. Accessibility cannot be considered a speciality concern any longer, it is a reflection of how seriously you take your users’ needs. And in 2025, users expect better.
With the latest update to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) it is clearer than ever that accessibility and UX go hand in hand. These are no longer technical checklists to satisfy legal requirements – they should be considered practical design improvements that help every visitor interact with your site more easily and more confidently.
Everyday Accessibility: Small Fixes That Make a Big Difference
There is a common misconception that accessibility is just about screen readers or for a small number of people in society. In fact, it is about making your site easier for everyone to use, such as:
- Buttons that are large enough to tap without accidentally clicking on something else
- Forms that do not vanish halfway through on a mobile device
- Navigation that works without needing a mouse
- Clear and consistent layouts that guide the user naturally from one section to the next
Whilst these all help users with specific access needs, they also improve the experience for anyone in a hurry, on a small screen, or just trying to get something done with minimal frustration!
When we talk about good UX, what we really mean is making things simple, efficient and intuitive – accessibility is the same. If your website works well for someone using assistive technology, it will almost always work better for everyone else, too – this is the overlap we should be striving for and is where great design comes alive.
Good UX means removing barriers. And that is exactly what accessibility does.
What’s New in WCAG 2.2 (And Why It Matters)
We will not be diving into the more technical aspects of the latest updates – instead, we will focus on the updates that matter most. WCAG 2.2 builds on earlier versions of the guidelines and includes nine new success criteria aimed at making websites more inclusive. Key to this are:
Focus not obscured – If someone uses a keyboard to navigate your site, the thing they are focused on should not be hidden behind a sticky header or pop-up.
Target size (minimum) – Buttons and clickable areas should be big enough to use without having to pinch and zoom in.
Dragging movements – Tasks that rely on drag-and-drop need an alternative method for users who cannot perform that action.
Consistent help – Help options like live chat or contact details should be available in the same place across multiple pages on your website.
All of these updates are designed to tackle real-world usability issues. Small touch targets, for example, are one of the most common frustrations we all experience on mobile devices. If your call-to-action buttons are too small, you are not just excluding people with motor impairments – you are frustrating every user who has a slightly larger thumb.
And think about consistent help – another issue we have all experienced with websites. If a user gets stuck or has a question, they should not have to go digging around to find support. Keeping that help option in the same place across all pages not only meets the WCAG standards but also shows you respect your customers’ time and needs.
None of these issues are edge cases. They all address everyday frustrations that affect all of us who are trying to interact with websites. So when you fix them, you’re not just ticking a box – you are making your site better for everyone.
What Does This Tell Us About The Future of Web Design?
The latest WCAG updates aren’t just about compliance. They reflect a bigger shift in how we think about websites.
Mobile-first isn’t optional anymore – More people access websites on their phones rather than on a desktop. Small targets, hidden navigation and fiddly gestures are common UX pitfalls. But if you design with accessibility in mind, you can solve these pain points automatically.
Cognitive load matters – Simpler layouts, consistent interactions, and clear help options make sites easier to use for people with cognitive impairments. But they also make a huge difference for anyone stressed, tired or just distracted. Reducing friction helps everyone stay focused and get what they need.
Flexibility is expected – Whether it’s navigating with a keyboard, using voice control or switching off motion effects, users want control over how they interact with your content. The ability to adapt to different needs should and is becoming the baseline expectation.
It’s time to stop thinking of accessibility as a bolt-on. Instead, treat it as the standard for smart, user-focused design. The best websites are the ones that anticipate friction and remove it. And the direction WCAG 2.2 points us in is one where websites are built with empathy, care and with a broader audience in mind.
Rethinking Accessibility as Good UX
If you still think that accessibility is just a legal box to tick, then it is time for a rethink. WCAG 2.2 is a reminder that designing with everyone in mind not only prevents complaints, it builds better websites.
When your site is easier to navigate, more consistent and works well across multiple devices, it does not just help those with disabilities – it helps all your visitors get what they came for, faster and with less effort. In turn, that translates into better engagement, better conversions and stronger brand loyalty.
By treating accessibility as part of your UX strategy, you will create a smoother, more intuitive experience that keeps people on your site – and coming back for more. It is not just doing the right thing – it is about doing the smart thing for your business.
The future of web design is inclusive, flexible and user-first. The sooner your website gets there, the better results for your users – and your business.
