Increasing awareness of the diverse needs of consumers is reflected in regulations. One example is WCAG 2.1, guidelines created with accessibility for people with disabilities in mind. Although they are mainly spoken of in the context of websites and online stores, they also apply to self-service checkouts. To what extent?
What is WCAG 2.1?
WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is an international guideline for accessibility of websites and applications for people with various forms of disabilities – physical, intellectual, visual and hearing. The updated version of the standard will go into effect on June 28, 2025 – at which time it will replace WCAG 2.0, which was previously in effect.
The WCAG 2.1 guidelines are based on 4 principles:
- Perceptibility – the ability to use websites and applications with the senses available to users,
- functionality – finding relevant content and using features regardless of how they are navigated,
- Understandability – using content that will be simple for any user,
- Robustness – correct operation of content and functionality.
Passed under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the new regulations will affect the retail industry in two main ways. Online stores and self-service checkouts will be required to adapt to the new guidelines. We will look at the latter later in this article.
WCAG 2.1 in self-service checkouts. What should be taken care of?
Adapting self-service checkouts to comply with WCAG 2.1 requires taking into account the needs of customers with various difficulties. This group includes blind, deaf, wheelchair users, as well as customers with intellectual disabilities. What should retailers pay special attention to? Here’s a list of the most important factors!
1. visual accessibility
The main aspects in this category are adequate contrast between text and background, and a large enough font size to enable people with low vision to read the content. In addition, according to the guidelines, the images, icons and graphics used must be understandable to consumers, and have alternative text, or description, so that a visually impaired customer can understand what is on the screen.
2. navigation and interaction
Buttons on the touchscreen should be large enough and scalable – so that people with limited precision of movement and low vision can use them.
3. audio accessibility
In this aspect, the deaf or hard-of-hearing (the option to display visual alternatives to audio messages) and those who are hypersensitive to sounds (the option to turn off sound at the self-service checkout) should be taken care of.
4 Physical accessibility
The height of the self-service checkout and the space around it should be designed so that the device can be used by people in wheelchairs.
5. usefulness and clarity of messages
Any messages that appear on the screen should be in plain language. In addition, make sure that error information includes hints and repair tips. It is also important that errors displayed to the consumer are presented visually and audibly.
What does a self-service checkout accessibility audit look like?
An accessibility audit of a self-service checkout is very detailed and includes a check of all the requirements specified in WCAG 2.1. The auditor determines whether the self-service checkout and hand scanner are physically accessible to people with various forms of disabilities. He then performs product scanning tests and simulates potential errors. Various aspects may be examined for this purpose, such as the ability to add a VAT number to a receipt, the correctness of charging promotions, or the transaction finalization process.
If the POS system used in stores does not meet your expectations in terms of aesthetics, functionality and transparency, contact us. We will help you implement iXpos – a solution that combines all back-office processes with a fast, clear and flexible POS program.
