The importance of web accessibility
Web accessibility is a key issue in digital development. It aims to ensure an equitable experience for all users, whatever their physical or cognitive abilities. The aim is to enable people with disabilities or temporary limitations to access online content and services easily.
Colour contrast is one of the pillars of accessibility. Insufficient contrast between text and background is detrimental to legibility, particularly for people who are colour-blind or visually impaired. Standards such as WCAG 2.0 and APCA 3.0 can be used to assess the quality of this contrast.
WCAG 2.0, which has long been the benchmark, is gradually giving way to APCA 3.0, a more precise method that is adapted to today's needs. This article compares the two approaches, explores the advantages of APCA, and takes stock of European regulations on digital accessibility.
1. What is WCAG 2.0?
The WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0) are a set of guidelines published by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) aimed at making web content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Although the guidelines focus on accessibility for the disabled, they improve the online experience for all users.
The WCAG 2.0 are based on four fundamental principles to guarantee the accessibility of websites:
- Perceptible: The information and interface must be accessible to everyone.
- Usable: The interface and navigation must be easy for everyone to use.
- Understandable: Information and operation must be clear.
- Robust: Content must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies.
WCAG 2.0 defines three levels of success: A, AA and AAA. A site complying with level AA is generally considered accessible and is often required by legislation, particularly in Europe.
Colour contrast, essential for legibility for the visually impaired, is one of the key criteria. However, the WCAG 2.0 method of calculating contrast has its limitations, hence the emergence of APCA 3.0.
2. What is APCA 3.0?
APCA 3.0 (Advanced Perceptual Contrast Algorithm) is a recent standard that improves the measurement of colour contrast. Unlike WCAG 2.0, which is based on luminance, APCA 3.0 takes into account human visual perception. It assesses font size, typography and screen brightness.
This approach provides a more realistic assessment of contrast. It is particularly useful for visually impaired people, such as those with macular degeneration or colour blindness. Content becomes more legible on all devices.
With the evolution of technology, APCA 3.0 is now essential for improving the accessibility of websites in a precise and appropriate way.
3. Major differences between APCA 3.0 and WCAG 2.0
Although APCA 3.0 and WCAG 2.0 both aim to improve the accessibility of websites, their approaches are fundamentally different, particularly when it comes to assessing colour contrast. Here are the main differences between the two standards:
3.1 Calculation method
WCAG 2.0 uses a simple formula that measures the difference in luminance to determine contrast. This method is effective, but it does not take into account text size, font weight or screen variations. It may therefore not reflect the actual user experience.
APCA 3.0, on the other hand, better models human perception of contrast. It takes into account text size, font, screen lighting and reading distance. It adjusts the results according to the user's specific conditions, offering a more accurate and flexible assessment.
3.2. Accuracy and adaptation
WCAG 2.0 is based on general rules. Although it works well in many cases, it lacks nuance. For example, very small text can pass the contrast test, even if it is difficult to read. It does not take into account typography or the influence of ambient light, which reduces its accuracy.
APCA 3.0, with its more nuanced approach, better assesses the legibility of text, even under varied conditions. It takes into account font size, text styles and screen settings. This makes it more adaptable to user needs and different devices.
3.3. Ease of use
Although the WCAG 2.0 is widely adopted and used by many developers and companies, its application can sometimes be complex due to its very detailed criteria and the need to interpret certain aspects depending on the context.
L’APCA 3.0 is simpler to implement in real-life situations, because it is based on contrast measurements that better reflect the user's reality. Designers can more easily adjust their choice of colours and typography to optimise accessibility, without getting bogged down in complex technical details.
4. Why APCA 3.0 is superior to WCAG 2.0
APCA 3.0 has several major advantages over WCAG 2.0, particularly in terms of precision, flexibility and the way it takes account of real human perception. This is why APCA 3.0 is often considered to be superior to WCAG 2.0 in guaranteeing better web accessibility:
4.1. Taking better account of human perception
The main limitation of WCAG 2.0 is its mathematical approach to contrast, based on luminance. This method is useful, but it does not always reflect real human perception, especially for visually impaired people.
APCA 3.0 considers text size, font weight and ambient lighting. This approach provides a more accurate and realistic assessment of contrast. It ensures better legibility, especially for people with visual impairments, and is adaptable to a variety of devices and environments.
4.2. Adaptability to different contexts
Another advantage of WCAG 3.0 is that it can be adapted to different contexts of use. WCAG 2.0 uses a static method, without taking into account the specifics of the device or display parameters. APCA adjusts its recommendations according to these factors, offering a more accurate assessment of contrast, particularly on smaller screens, mobile phones or devices with low luminosity.
This gives designers greater flexibility to optimise accessibility according to the context of use, ensuring that the site remains legible in all possible conditions.
4.3. More flexibility for web designers
Le WCAG 2.0 imposes fairly strict criteria, which can sometimes make it difficult to achieve accessibility targets without sacrificing design aesthetics. On the other hand’APCA 3.0 offers greater flexibility while guaranteeing optimum accessibility. Designers can adjust text size, typography and colour without compromising legibility for users with visual impairments.
This makes it possible to create more modern, aesthetically pleasing sites, while complying with accessibility standards. APCA 3.0 strikes a better balance between aesthetics and functionality.
4.4. A better user experience
L’APCA 3.0 has a direct impact on the user experience, as it is designed to adapt to the real needs of users. Thanks to its more accurate assessment of contrast and its flexibility, it improves the readability of websites for a wide variety of users, including those with impaired vision, colour blindness or other visual impairments. It's not just a question of compliance, but of genuinely improving the user experience.
Users will not have to adapt to the site's limitations; on the contrary, the site adapts to their needs. This level of adaptability is essential to ensure optimal accessibility and a positive web experience for all.
5. The regulatory context in Europe: WCAG 2.0 vs APCA 3.0
In Europe, the digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications is governed by strict regulations. WCAG 2.0 is widely recognised and has become the reference standard in many European countries. They are incorporated into legislation, such as European Directive 2016/2102, which governs the accessibility of websites and applications of public bodies.
5.1 WCAG 2.0: The legal standard in Europe
Since their adoption, WCAG 2.0 have been at the heart of European accessibility regulations. Countries such as France, Belgium, Germany and the UK require public websites to comply with the AA level criteria of WCAG 2.0. This standard is a legal reference, and non-compliant companies can face penalties, especially in the public sector.
Although WCAG 2.0 is widely used, it does have its limitations. The method of calculating contrast may not reflect users' actual perception, creating problems in some cases. This is why WCAG 3.0 is becoming increasingly important.
5.2. APCA 3.0: The future of web accessibility
APCA 3.0 is not yet a legal standard in Europe, but it is gaining increasing recognition. Its approach, based on real user perception, makes it a more relevant solution as technologies evolve. APCA 3.0 could be incorporated into European accessibility regulations in the near future.
More and more private organisations, including web development companies and web designers, are voluntarily adopting APCA 3.0, not only to stay ahead of the legislation, but also to deliver better user experiences.
5.3. Towards a transition to APCA 3.0?
Although WCAG 2.0 remains the legal standard, the growing adoption of APCA 3.0 shows a demand for more user-friendly evaluation methods. Web developers should consider incorporating APCA 3.0 today. This will improve accessibility for all and anticipate future changes in regulations.
Adopting APCA 3.0 for a better future of web accessibility
Web accessibility is essential to ensure an inclusive digital experience. WCAG 2.0 has long been the standard, but APCA 3.0 represents a major step forward in improving the readability and comprehensibility of content. By taking realistic perception factors into account, APCA 3.0 helps designers to better meet the needs of users, especially those with visual impairments.
Although WCAG 2.0 remains the legal standard in many European countries, APCA 3.0 offers greater precision and flexibility. Companies and web developers are therefore advised to integrate APCA 3.0 to optimise accessibility and prepare for future changes to the standards.
By integrating APCA 3.0 into your projects, you're meeting users' needs and preparing for a future based on digital accessibility.
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At Iterates, We specialise in creating accessible and inclusive websites and applications. If you want to improve the accessibility of your digital projects, we can help you implement best practice, in particular with APCA 3.0.
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