WCAG 2.2 – what’s new?

Digital offerings must be accessible to all people, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. That is exactly the goal of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These internationally recognized guidelines define how websites and digital applications must be designed so that they can be used accessibly.

OnOctober 5, 2023 the updated version WCAG 2.2 was published. It adds new success criteria to the existing requirements, intended to make digital access easier for people with disabilities.

These extensions are relevant not only for public institutions that are legally required to ensure accessibility, but also for companies. Because accessible design means better usability, greater reach, higher satisfaction and, not least, legal security.

New success criteria of WCAG 2.2 – This was added:

The new requirements are divided into three conformance levels:

• Level A: basic requirements
• Level AA: extended requirements, often mandatory (e.g. in the EU)
• Level AAA: highest level, voluntary, but recommended

In total, nine new success criteria were introduced.

Two new requirements at Level A

3.2.6 Consistent Help

If help functions (e.g. chat, contact, help page) are offered on multiple pages of a website, they must be placed in the same location every time.
Why is this important?
Especially for people with cognitive limitations, it helps to be able to rely on fixed structures. Anyone looking for help should be able to find it easily – without having to reorient themselves on every page.

3.3.7 Redundant Entry

Users should not have to enter identical information multiple times.
Practical example: If personal details have already been entered in a multi-step form, they should be carried over automatically without needing to be entered again.
This saves time and reduces errors.

Four new requirements at Level AA

2.4.11 Focus Appearance (Minimum)

The keyboard focus must always be visible even when, for example, a banner or pop-up overlays other elements on the page.
Why is this important?
Many people use websites with the keyboard. If the current focus (that is, the active position) is no longer visible, targeted navigation is no longer possible.

2.5.7 Dragging Movements

Functions that are operated by dragging or swiping (e.g. drag & drop) must also be usable without these movements — for example by tapping or clicking.
This ensures usability for people with motor impairments who cannot perform precise movements.

2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum)

Controls must be large enough and sufficiently separated from one another so that they can be selected safely even with limited fine motor skills.
This improves usability on mobile devices.

3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum)

Login or authentication must not rely solely on cognitive abilities such as solving a math problem or remembering a complex password.
Alternatives must be offered , for example:

• Support through assistive technologies
• Login via recognizable images or symbols
• Recognition of your own content
• Selection aids instead of free text

Two new requirements at AAA level

These criteria are optional, but they set particularly high standards for accessibility.

2.4.12 Focus Indicator (Enhanced)

The focus state must always be fully visible , not just partially.

2.4.13 Focus Indicator (Contrast & Size)

The visible focus must be clearly distinguished , for example by a two-pixel-wide border or a strong color contrast (at least 3:1).
This makes navigation easier for all users, not just for people with disabilities.

One criterion is removed

4.1.1 Parsing

This criterion referred to the correct HTML syntax, so that assistive technologies can correctly read page content.
Since modern browsers now automatically detect and correct many of these problems, the criterion was removed.

But:
Faulty syntax can still negatively affect the evaluation of other checkpoints, for example in semantic structure or in assigning roles to elements. A clean HTML structure remains indispensable.

What does this mean for companies?

• Legal certainty: Those who implement web offerings in an accessible way meet legal requirements and reduce the risk of warnings or lawsuits.
• Competitive advantage: Accessibility opens offerings to more users, especially people with disabilities and older target groups.
• Better user experience: Clearly recognizable buttons, simple navigation, and understandable structures benefit all visitors.
• Future-proofing: The new guidelines set standards that are likely to be expected or required more and more often in the future – especially in the public and nonprofit sectors.

What do users gain from this?

• Fewer barriers, greater access to information
• Easier operation, even without a mouse or touch gestures
• More orientation, support, and clarity when navigating
• Safe use of forms, logins, and interactive elements
• Inclusive use of digital offerings, regardless of limitations

WCAG 2.2 – a sensible step forward

The revised version of the WCAG guidelines brings concrete improvements for many people and strengthens awareness of inclusive digital design.
It provides developers, editors, and companies with clear guidelines on how web offerings can be made accessible to as many people as possible.

Accessibility is not a special case. It is a quality feature of modern digital communication.