Imagine you want to book an appointment online, order a product or fill out a form - but the button is not accessible via the keyboard, the image has no description and the error message is only indicated by a colored marker. What is a small thing for most people is a real hurdle for many people with disabilities - and unfortunately often means digital exclusion.
From June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Improvement Act will require companies with digital offerings to make their products accessible. Websites, apps and online services must then comply with the WCAG 2.1 AA standard so that all users can access them without restriction - regardless of individual abilities or aids.
Those who do not meet the requirements not only risk legal consequences, but also a lower range and declining user satisfaction.
But technical accessibility alone is not enough - a digital product must also be usable in practice. This is exactly where crowdtesting with real users comes into play.
Testing Accessibility - but holistically, please
There are various test methods that complement each other perfectly when it comes to making digital products accessible:
- Automated Tests and Standard Checks: They help to check technical guidelines such as contrasts, keyboard navigation or alternative texts quickly and efficiently.
- Expert-supported Audits and Manual Checks: Experts assess compliance with accessibility standards and provide detailed recommendations for action.
- Usability Tests with Real Users: These tests show whether accessibility really works in practice - and where problems arise for real users.
Each of these methods has its justification. But no technical test can replace real user experience. That is why crowdtesting with people who are dependent on accessible use is an indispensable part of any accessibility strategy.
When everyday hurdles become a digital dead end
Many digital offerings are functional at first glance, but pose major hurdles for certain user groups. Examples of common barriers:
- Poor Keyboard Navigation: If forms or menus are not fully accessible by tab, people who do not use a mouse cannot navigate.
- Insufficient Screen Reader Support: Lack of alternative texts for images or incomprehensible structuring make content inaccessible for blind or visually impaired people.
- Unclear Error Messages: Forms that are only visually highlighted in the event of incorrect input are not understandable for many users.
- Missing Subtitles and Transcripts: Hearing impaired users cannot understand videos and podcasts without subtitles or written alternatives.
These problems are not just annoying - they can lead to people being completely excluded from using a product.
Crowdtesting: Real Users. Real Tests. Real improvements.
Our crowdtesting approach with msg.passbrains goes beyond technical testing and ensures that digital products are practically usable:
- Authentic Feedback: People with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive impairments test digital products in real-life scenarios.
- Various Devices and Usage Contexts: Tests are carried out on different devices, operating systems and with different auxiliary technologies.
- Detailed Recommendations for Action: The tests not only provide error reports, but also concrete suggestions for improving the user experience.
- Usability Interviews for Deeper Insights: In 1:1 discussions with users, not only is it determined whether a barrier exists, but also why it is problematic.
Why act now?
Digital accessibility is more than just a legal obligation - it means better usability for everyone. Companies that optimize their digital products at an early stage benefit from:
- Compliance with legal requirements and avoidance of sanctions
- Greater reach through inclusive digital offerings
- Greater user-friendliness and better customer satisfaction
- Long-term cost savings through early optimization instead of later improvements
msg.passbrains: Your partner for comprehensive accessibility testing
msg.passbrains provides you with customized solutions for digital accessibility:
- Real User Tests with People with Disabilities - for authentic feedback from the field
- Professional Support with the Test Concept - from the selection of suitable test methods to individual adaptation to your requirements
- Flexible Test Execution - scalable, depending on project size and requirements
- Fast and Precise Results - including concrete recommendations for immediate improvements
Manual checks based on recognized standards (e.g. WCAG / BITV) - if required, we organize these together with the relevant experts within the msg group.
Make a no-obligation inquiry now - breaking down barriers in a targeted manner
Today, digital accessibility is more important than ever. msg.passbrains supports you in identifying barriers at an early stage and developing practical solutions - efficient, user-centered and tailored to your requirements. Let's break down digital barriers together.
