Accessible website for the DJH

Inclusive. Strategic. Future-oriented.

Since the beginning of 2024, we have been supporting the strategic modernization of the German Youth Hostels' websites with a focus on accessibility and user-friendliness. The aim of the project is to create a contemporary, inclusive website - supported by a comprehensive audit, a modular design system and close collaboration with editorial and development teams.

Barrierefreier Webauftritt für die Deutsche Jugendherberge

Project shortcuts

Since early 2024, we have been supporting the German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) in the barrier-free and creative development of their website jugendherberge.de. The aim is to create a modern, inclusive user experience - both in terms of design and editorial implementation. Our services include a comprehensive accessibility audit, the rebrushing of the pages, the development of an accessible design library in accordance with WCAG 2.2, EN 301 549 and BFSG, as well as training for the editors. We supported the implementation in close coordination with the DJH's internal developers. Despite technical legacy issues, complex requirements and a tight timeframe, it has already been possible to create the central foundations for a modern, accessible website. The redesign is currently in progress.

Modernization with vision: The DJH in digital change

The complexity of the project lies in the large number of stakeholders, an existing infrastructure and an ambitious timeframe. Despite these challenges, a modern design library has already been established, which will serve as the basis for the upcoming redesign phase. The final implementation of the redesign will follow successively in close collaboration with the DJH team.

What we have done

Audit of existing websites

in terms of accessibility and user-friendliness

Rebrush and redesign

the existing page structure and design

Development of a design library

with accessible UI components

Training for editors

for barrier-free content design

Close development support

of the internal developers

Systematically towards digital inclusion

  • Auditing of existing content and structures

    A comprehensive analysis of the existing websites was carried out at the start of the project. The focus was on accessibility (in accordance with WCAG 2.2, BFSG, EN 301 549), user-friendliness and the editorial and technical structure. The findings formed the basis for all further steps and served as a strategic decision-making basis.

  • Creation of the accessible design library

    Based on the audit results, a modular design library was developed that maps all basic UI components without barriers. It serves as both a visual and functional foundation for future developments and enables a consistent, accessible user experience on all pages.

  • Start implementing the accessibility findings

    Parallel to the design development, the step-by-step implementation of the previously identified accessibility deficits began. In close cooperation with the DJH's internal developers, initial improvements were implemented and editorial processes adapted in order to anchor digital accessibility in the long term.

  • Planned redesign

    The comprehensive rebrush of the websites is currently in preparation. Due to existing system dependencies, the implementation is currently still in progress. The developed design library forms the stable and future-proof foundation for the planned redesign, which will be successively introduced.

More than design: a holistic approach to digital inclusion

As experts in accessibility and UX, we were able to create a real synergy effect in this project: strategically sound concepts, a well thought-out design system and practical training - all with the clear goal of ensuring digital participation for all users.

Need someone who really knows their way around accessibility and UX? We are here to help.

Lars Seinschedt

managing director