Usability and accessibility seal: digital inclusion in public services

As a result of the identification that it is essential to simplify and make more efficient the use of public digital services by citizens, the Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA), the Portuguese public entity responsible for the modernization of public services, in collaboration with the National Institute for Rehabilitation (INR) developed the usability and accessibility seal.

This seal identifies and distinguishes the application of the best practices of Usability and Accessibility in websites and mobile applications, promoting their continuous improvement through the application of the Bronze, Silver and Gold seal, aimed mainly at Public Administration entities.

According to the Portuguese Observatory of Web Accessibility, until the last update, in 2024, 33 Usability and Accessibility seals were awarded to websites and mobile applications, of which 10 are Gold Seal, 18 Silver Seal and 5 Bronze Seal.

Pillars of online presence for Brands and Entities
 

User Experience (UX) is one of the essential pillars of any brand or institution's online presence. Therefore, being a critical component for modern applications, investment in UI/UX design tends to enrich the customer experience, making it simpler, more fluid, and more user-friendly.

Another extremely relevant aspect to take into account in the development of websites and mobile applications is Social Inclusion, which turns out to be one of the main benefits arising from the expansion of the internet and technology in general. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the accessibility and interoperability of modern applications with the various assistive technologies aimed at people with disabilities or disabilities.

However, many companies still do not give due importance to this topic, which can compromise the user experience and eventually lead to a loss of interest in the application or even the loss of customers. 

Certification and awarding of seals

The usability and accessibility seal is mainly intended for entities that are required to comply with Law No. 36/2011, of 21 June, which establishes the adoption of open standards in the State's computer systems, governed by the National Digital Interoperability Regulation (RNID). 

For the award of these certificates, the accessibility requirements of the websites and mobile applications of public bodies in all the Member States of the European Union are established. Accessibility requirements are found in the European Standard EN301549.

Classification levels

The Usability and Accessibility Seal of the Agency for Administrative Modernization (AMA) consists of a set of accessibility and usability requirements, which are divided into 3 levels:

• The requirements of level 1, corresponding to the Bronze Seal, essentially deal with the "Content" of websites and mobile applications;
• The requirements of level 2, corresponding to the Silver Seal, in addition to the requirements of level 1, cover the "Transaction" components, including forms, fields, errors, etc.;
• The requirements of level 3, corresponding to the Gold Seal, in addition to the requirements of the previous levels, ensure that the website or mobile application has undergone an assessment of accessibility and usability requirements, and usability tests with participants with disabilities or disabilities.

The certification process goes through a very comprehensive list of requirements, defined based on the most critical aspects of usability and that respond to practical functional concerns of users. These certificates represent, cumulatively, a constant concern to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities or disabilities – users of assistive technologies – allowing them to access the services and information available on the Internet.

How to Adopt the Usability and Accessibility Seal with Izertis

Izertis offers expert support to help organizations achieve the requirements of the Usability and Accessibility Seal by adapting UX/UI best practices to the needs of each industry. Contact us and find out how Izertis can support your organization in creating more accessible and inclusive digital experiences, promoting an online presence in line with European and Portuguese standards.