The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have shaped how designers and developers approach accessibility for over two decades. But as the entire ecosystem of technology changes, so must the standards that define inclusive experiences. WCAG 3.0, currently in development by the W3C, marks a significant step forward in creating a more flexible, user-focused, and future-ready framework for accessibility. For teams like ours at Kooba, this represents a welcome improvement towards a more inclusive digital future.
1. Extending guidelines beyond screen-based interfaces
WCAG 3.0 recognises that accessibility extends beyond the browser. With the increasing presence of voice assistants, augmented reality, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the new standard aims to create guidance that works across diverse digital environments. This means moving away from purely web-focused criteria and ensuring that accessibility principles are applicable to any digital interface, from mobile apps to immersive experiences.
By broadening its scope, WCAG 3.0 will better reflect how users actually interact with technology in contemporary life. This shift acknowledges that accessibility is not limited to screen-based content but is an essential part of every interaction with an entire range of digital systems.
2. Prioritising the end user
A major shift in WCAG 3.0 is its emphasis on the user experience rather than technical compliance. Instead of focusing solely on whether a feature meets a binary “pass or fail” requirement, the new model assesses how effectively users can actually complete tasks and access content.
This approach encourages designers and developers to think beyond checklists and instead prioritise usability outcomes. For example, rather than simply ensuring that a form label exists, WCAG 3.0 considers whether users with assistive technology can successfully navigate and submit that form. This outcome-based approach reflects a maturing understanding of accessibility as an experience, not just a requirement. This is a welcome shift, and one which should hopefully improve the experience of real users.
3. A focus on incremental improvements
Accessibility is a continuous process, not a single milestone. WCAG 3.0 introduces a more flexible rating system designed to accommodate gradual progress. Instead of the current A, AA, and AAA conformance levels, the new guidelines are expected to adopt a scoring-based model that allows organisations to demonstrate improvement over time.
This change encourages teams to make consistent, achievable updates rather than waiting for major redesigns to address accessibility gaps. It rewards small improvements, even if they do not entirely change the accessibility of a solution. This also supports long-term accessibility planning, allowing businesses to measure progress, communicate results, and build more sustainable inclusion strategies.
4. Intuitive language and scores
For a set of accessibility guidelines, one common criticism of WCAG 2.2 is the complexity of the language used to describe requirements and compliance levels. For experts who understand the jargon, this doesn’t pose a problem, but for those less familiar with the industry this can be confusing and off-putting.
WCAG 3.0 addresses this issue directly. It introduces clearer, more intuitive language alongside a simplified scoring system that helps organisations understand their level of accessibility without needing specialist interpretation. This means teams across design, content, and development can collaborate more effectively with a shared understanding of what good accessibility looks like.
By reducing ambiguity, WCAG 3.0 lowers the barriers to adoption and supports wider participation in accessibility work, something that creative agencies like Kooba will be delighted to see.
To learn more about your own website’s accessibility, just get in touch with our team today, we’d love to speak more about your unique requirements.
