Ever Tried Building IKEA Furniture Without Instructions?

That’s what accessibility feels like for many teams. Lots of parts, high stakes, and no idea where to start. To make it simpler, let’s break down the three most talked-about accessibility terms: WCAG, EAA, and EN 301 549.

These aren’t just codes for legal teams to worry about — they directly impact how you design documents, websites, and branded communications.

so, What Do They Actually Mean?

Here’s the simplest way to think about them using a real-world lifestyle example:

WCAG = The Assembly Manual

This is your instruction book. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) lays out the steps for making digital content usable for everyone — including people who are blind, use screen readers, or have cognitive disabilities.

It’s detailed and global — but not legally binding on its own. Think of it as your design blueprint.

EAA = The Consumer Law

The European Accessibility Act is a regulation, not a suggestion. It mandates that certain services and content must be accessible by law across the EU.

If WCAG tells you how to build, EAA tells you that you must. And there are real-world penalties for non-compliance.

EN 301 549 = The Quality Inspector’s Checklist

This one checks if you followed the manual. EN 301 549 builds on WCAG and provides technical requirements to test whether accessibility standards have been properly applied.

It’s how auditors, procurement officers, and governments validate if your digital content meets legal obligations.

Your Step-by-Step Recipe to Navigate All Three

📌 Step 1: Design using WCAG
Follow its principles for contrast, navigation, structure, and alt text.

📌 Step 2: Know if EAA applies to you
If you operate in the EU, sell digital products, or offer online services, you’ll be covered.

📌 Step 3: Test using EN 301 549
Use it to audit your digital assets. If you’re working with public sector clients, this will likely be required.

📌 Step 4: Don’t assume compliance = usability
Just because you followed the manual doesn’t mean it’s easy to use. Test with real users.

📌 Step 5: Partner with design-led accessibility teams
At Design53, we bridge the gap between visual branding and legal accessibility requirements.

Quick Tip to Remember

Following WCAG doesn’t make you compliant. And being compliant doesn’t guarantee usability.

Accessibility must be tested, not just assumed.

Ready to Futureproof Your Communications?

At Design53, we don’t just apply guidelines — we design accessibility into your brand system, templates, and documents from the start.

Whether you’re working with governments, universities, or consumers, we make sure your content is:

• Compliant
• Usable
• On-brand

📍 Request a compliance review
📈 Book an accessibility discovery call