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Encore
Understanding, Evaluating, Implementing Accessibility
Knowledge development and analysis as a basis for BFSG-compliant products at encore
Sector
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Principle
Period
6 months
Starting position
encore develops white label software for energy providers’ tariff booking and instalment portals. The web application covers key digital customer touchpoints, such as tariff selection, contract conclusion and contract management. As a platform solution, it is used by energy providers to deliver digital services to their end customers. It therefore reaches a large user base and plays a central role in digital customer interaction within the energy sector.
At the same time, such applications are subject to the requirements of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which comes into force from mid-2025. For encore, it was clear: Accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement. It directly impacts usability, product quality and the service quality of digital offerings for energy providers and their customers.
Against this backdrop, encore decided to deepen the topic together with an external partner. The goal was to reflect on the existing approach and gain additional impulses on how accessibility can be systematically integrated into the platform’s design and development processes.
Starting position
encore develops white label software for energy providers’ tariff booking and instalment portals. The web application covers key digital customer touchpoints, such as tariff selection, contract conclusion and contract management. As a platform solution, it is used by energy providers to deliver digital services to their end customers. It therefore reaches a large user base and plays a central role in digital customer interaction within the energy sector.
At the same time, such applications are subject to the requirements of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which comes into force from mid-2025. For encore, it was clear: Accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement. It directly impacts usability, product quality and the service quality of digital offerings for energy providers and their customers.
Against this backdrop, encore decided to deepen the topic together with an external partner. The goal was to reflect on the existing approach and gain additional impulses on how accessibility can be systematically integrated into the platform’s design and development processes.
Starting position
encore develops white label software for energy providers’ tariff booking and instalment portals. The web application covers key digital customer touchpoints, such as tariff selection, contract conclusion and contract management. As a platform solution, it is used by energy providers to deliver digital services to their end customers. It therefore reaches a large user base and plays a central role in digital customer interaction within the energy sector.
At the same time, such applications are subject to the requirements of the German Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), which comes into force from mid-2025. For encore, it was clear: Accessibility is not just a regulatory requirement. It directly impacts usability, product quality and the service quality of digital offerings for energy providers and their customers.
Against this backdrop, encore decided to deepen the topic together with an external partner. The goal was to reflect on the existing approach and gain additional impulses on how accessibility can be systematically integrated into the platform’s design and development processes.
Approach
UseTree supported encore with a combined approach of knowledge building and analysis. A key component was an accessibility training that covered fundamentals, legal frameworks and the practical impact of digital barriers. Topics included:
- what digital accessibility means and why it matters
- legal requirements such as BFSG, EN 301 549 and WCAG
- different types of impairments, permanent, temporary or situational
- common myths around effort, cost and creativity
- accessibility as a product advantage and quality attribute
A particular focus was on understanding accessibility as an integral part of the UX and development process, not as a downstream checkpoint.
In parallel, UseTree conducted an expert review of the existing applications. Compliance with EN 301 549 was assessed based on prioritised criteria. The goal was to identify concrete barriers and derive actionable recommendations.
Approach
UseTree supported encore with a combined approach of knowledge building and analysis. A key component was an accessibility training that covered fundamentals, legal frameworks and the practical impact of digital barriers. Topics included:
- what digital accessibility means and why it matters
- legal requirements such as BFSG, EN 301 549 and WCAG
- different types of impairments, permanent, temporary or situational
- common myths around effort, cost and creativity
- accessibility as a product advantage and quality attribute
A particular focus was on understanding accessibility as an integral part of the UX and development process, not as a downstream checkpoint.
In parallel, UseTree conducted an expert review of the existing applications. Compliance with EN 301 549 was assessed based on prioritised criteria. The goal was to identify concrete barriers and derive actionable recommendations.
Approach
UseTree supported encore with a combined approach of knowledge building and analysis. A key component was an accessibility training that covered fundamentals, legal frameworks and the practical impact of digital barriers. Topics included:
- what digital accessibility means and why it matters
- legal requirements such as BFSG, EN 301 549 and WCAG
- different types of impairments, permanent, temporary or situational
- common myths around effort, cost and creativity
- accessibility as a product advantage and quality attribute
A particular focus was on understanding accessibility as an integral part of the UX and development process, not as a downstream checkpoint.
In parallel, UseTree conducted an expert review of the existing applications. Compliance with EN 301 549 was assessed based on prioritised criteria. The goal was to identify concrete barriers and derive actionable recommendations.
Solution
The results from the training and expert review were consolidated. encore received a clear, prioritised overview of relevant barriers along with concrete recommendations for remediation.
The review was carried out efficiently in tandem. Criteria were divided, results aligned jointly and documented in a transparent and traceable way. The training additionally enabled the team to proactively consider accessibility in the future. In concept, design, content and development.
In a second evaluation phase, progress was reviewed and further optimisation potential identified.
Solution
The results from the training and expert review were consolidated. encore received a clear, prioritised overview of relevant barriers along with concrete recommendations for remediation.
The review was carried out efficiently in tandem. Criteria were divided, results aligned jointly and documented in a transparent and traceable way. The training additionally enabled the team to proactively consider accessibility in the future. In concept, design, content and development.
In a second evaluation phase, progress was reviewed and further optimisation potential identified.
Solution
The results from the training and expert review were consolidated. encore received a clear, prioritised overview of relevant barriers along with concrete recommendations for remediation.
The review was carried out efficiently in tandem. Criteria were divided, results aligned jointly and documented in a transparent and traceable way. The training additionally enabled the team to proactively consider accessibility in the future. In concept, design, content and development.
In a second evaluation phase, progress was reviewed and further optimisation potential identified.
Impact
encore now has a shared understanding of accessibility and a solid foundation for implementing legal requirements. Accessibility is no longer an isolated topic but part of the platform’s product quality.
The training strengthened internal competence and decision-making capability. The expert review created transparency and prioritisation. Together, they enable a sustainable and systematic advancement of accessible white label solutions for energy providers.
Impact
encore now has a shared understanding of accessibility and a solid foundation for implementing legal requirements. Accessibility is no longer an isolated topic but part of the platform’s product quality.
The training strengthened internal competence and decision-making capability. The expert review created transparency and prioritisation. Together, they enable a sustainable and systematic advancement of accessible white label solutions for energy providers.
Impact
encore now has a shared understanding of accessibility and a solid foundation for implementing legal requirements. Accessibility is no longer an isolated topic but part of the platform’s product quality.
The training strengthened internal competence and decision-making capability. The expert review created transparency and prioritisation. Together, they enable a sustainable and systematic advancement of accessible white label solutions for energy providers.
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“UseTree has helped us to see digital accessibility not only as a challenge but as a real opportunity and to strategically integrate it into our products. With their extensive expertise in accessibility and their user-centered approach, the team provided us with impressive support throughout the process. The collaboration was a real asset for us and gave us valuable impetus to make our products more inclusive and accessible to all customers.”
Dirk Fleischer, managing director, encore
“UseTree has helped us to see digital accessibility not only as a challenge but as a real opportunity and to strategically integrate it into our products. With their extensive expertise in accessibility and their user-centered approach, the team provided us with impressive support throughout the process. The collaboration was a real asset for us and gave us valuable impetus to make our products more inclusive and accessible to all customers.”
Dirk Fleischer, managing director, encore
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