Accessibility as Extraability
As the European Accessibility Act comes into force, the conversation around accessibility is undergoing a profound shift — from compliance to opportunity, from a tick box approach towards democratic design.
From Need to Business Opportunity
For too long, accessibility has been approached as a checklist, or at best, as an extension of universal design. But as we face an ageing population, increasing levels of impairment, and an expected 3.5 billion people worldwide relying on assistive technologies by 2050 (WHO), the design community can no longer afford to think in one-size-fits-all solutions.
A 2022 study by Deque Systems found that 65% of accessibility issues stem from the design phase. In other words, the problem isn’t technology — it’s mindset.
What’s needed is a different kind of value system — one that moves away from extraction and efficiency, toward creation and care. The Triple Transition — digital, green, and social — demands a new design literacy: one rooted in openness, empathy, and a deep understanding of human diversity.
Design has the unique capacity to anticipate need, translate complexity, and foster inclusion — whether it’s understanding how someone navigates a city, interprets a medication label, or interacts with a secure interface. But that potential can only be unlocked through experience, training, and a commitment to go beyond the minimum standard.
Accessibility isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a strategic tool for building a more inclusive and economically resilient Europe.
Watch this space for the playbook and actions around Accessibility!