Legal Context of Usability
Usability is not just a quality feature - it is also increasingly relevant from a legal perspective. Especially when accessibility, product liability or conformity with standards are required.
Definition according to ISO 9241-11
Usability refers to the extent to which a product can be used effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily by specific users in a specific context of use.
Why usability counts in legal terms
Usability is not just a design issue. It has a direct influence:
- the legal security of digital products,
- the fulfillment of legal requirements,
- and the liability risk in the event of damage.
An error-prone form that misleads users can violate information obligations, for example. Or an inaccessible app can violate accessibility standards - with legal consequences for both public and private providers.
Relevant regulations and laws
👩⚖️ Accessible IT
Digital accessibility is a legal requirement for many services. This forms the basis:
- BITV 2.0 (Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance) - binding for German authorities
- EN 301 549 - European standard for accessible software and hardware
- European Accessibility Act - mandatory for commercial providers from 2025 (e.g. e-commerce, banking portals)
An accessible system must, for example, be able to be operated using a keyboard, be clearly understandable in terms of language and be compatible with screen readers.
📚 Standards with legal reference
- ISO 9241-210: Requires a user-centered development process
- ISO 9241-171: Regulates accessible software ergonomics
- Product-specific standards (e.g. medical technology, industrial equipment) are increasingly integrating UX requirements
A company that ignores standard specifications risks liability in the event of damage - for example, if an operating error was caused by a lack of suitability for use.
Practical example: Accessible websites
A state portal uses icons without alternative texts and unstructured PDFs. A blind user cannot grasp essential information. This constitutes a violation of BITV 2.0. Following a complaint by the conciliation body, there is a threat of an adjustment order - possibly with sanctions.
Accessibility is therefore not a “nice-to-have”, but a legal obligation, compliance with which must be proven - e.g. through evaluations, test reports and comprehensible UX documentation.
Conclusion
Usability today is at the interface between design, technology and law. Those who implement it in a standard-compliant and user-centered manner benefit in several ways: through a better user experience, lower legal risks and clear evidence in audits or tenders.
Take Home Message
Usability not only protects users - but also providers.
Last modified: 17 June 2025