UniCredit embraces the challenge to offer digital information, products and services with fairness and transparency

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In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, inclusion and digital innovation, not everyone is aware that these three dimensions are also the beating heart of progress in online information and communication technologies. To put it simply, digital accessibility captures the art of creating websites that attract the attention of surfers, but above all ensures they are functional and useful.

 

 

Accessibility is an added value for many, primarily for people with disabilities but also, for example, for mobile device users or for those with a slow connection: it is a means of protection and inclusion for the benefit of all. 

 

Besides being the right thing to do, having an accessible website in many countries is also a legal requirement. 

Let's also remember its fundamental economic value, which is to help companies reach categories of users and clients who otherwise would not be able to use or buy specific products and services

The World Wide Web Consortium

Europe relies on the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), an international community in which member organisations, professionals and an audience of passionate contributors, work together to develop Web standards.  The mission of the W3C is to bring the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure the Web’s long-term growth. 

According to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 governing accessibility requirements, a website must be: 

  1. Perceivable

    Content should be available in a variety of formats to provide alternative ways of understanding it 

  1. Understandable

    The body text of the content must be readable and have a consistent and concrete logical sequence

  1. Robust

    The website must provide the maximum compatibility with other existing and future digital tools.

  1. Usable

    The navigation path should be intuitive in order to find information quickly, while allowing people to take time to read and use content, which should be neutral 

Embracing the digital challenge 

In light of this landscape, UniCredit, is committed to thinking inclusively and making digital accessibility possible for both its people and its clients. Becoming a fully accessible company is part of our principles of "Ethics & Respect - Do the right thing!"

UniCredit's websites have accessible codes and designs in place from the development phase, and a major digital literacy campaign, which also involves external experts, is also underway. In addition, working groups have been set up where colleagues with disabilities develop ideas and suggestions based on their real needs for personal use. This is not a simple act of compliance for UniCredit, but a real opportunity to learn more about accessibility and inclusion. 

This approach is aimed at three important goals:

1

Breaking digital barriers

Breaking down digital barriers means that everyone can benefit from the advantages of online banking services.
2

Gaining a competitive advantage

Being digitally inclusive creates a competitive advantage for the company and facilitates innovation both internally and externally.
3

Granting low risk

Legal risks are minimised and an ideal environment for clients is created thanks to the accessibility of digital products, offering them a pleasant and lasting experience.

Today the Group proudly launches its new corporate website with a focus on digital inclusion. The new colour palette ensures the right contrast for more immediate reading, the full-screen images support the text in describing the information, and finally the more linear navigation allows users to find the information and move intuitively within the platform. This is just the first step towards achieving the double A in Italy and in the Group. So... happy surfing!