Barrierefreier Webauftritt für die Deutsche Jugendherberge

Accessible website for the DJH

Inklusiv. Strategisch. Zukunftsorientiert.

Since early 2024, we have been supporting German Youth Hostels in the strategic modernization of their 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.

Shortcuts to the project

Since early 2024, we have been supporting the German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) in the barrier-free and creative development of its 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, a redesign 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 editors. We are supporting the implementation in close coordination with the DJH's internal developers. Despite technical legacy issues, complex requirements, and a tight timeframe, we have already been able to lay the foundations for a modern, accessible website. The redesign is currently in progress.

Modernization with vision: DJH in the digital transformation

The complexity of the project lies in the large number of stakeholders, 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 gradually in close cooperation with the DJH team.

What we did

Audit of existing websites

with regard to 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 accessible content design

Close development support

for the internal developers

Auditing existing content and structures
At the start of the project, a comprehensive analysis of the existing websites was carried out. 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 basis for decision-making.
Creation of the accessible design library
Based on the audit results, a modular design library was developed that maps all basic UI components in an accessible manner. It serves as both a visual and functional foundation for future developments and enables a consistent, accessible user experience across all pages.
Start of implementation of accessibility findings
Parallel to the design development, the gradual implementation of the previously identified accessibility deficits began. In close cooperation with DJH's internal developers, initial improvements were implemented and editorial processes were adapted in order to anchor digital accessibility in the long term.
Planned redesign
The comprehensive redesign of the websites is currently in preparation. Due to existing system dependencies, implementation is still in progress. The developed Design Library forms a stable and future-proof foundation for the planned redesign, which will be introduced gradually.

Webdesign auf Laptop und Smartphone von Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk

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.