WCAG
Global standard for web accessibility to disabilities
ISO 56002
International guidance standard for innovation management systems
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for disabled users via testable criteria, while ISO 56002 builds innovation systems for value creation. Companies adopt WCAG for legal compliance and inclusion; ISO 56002 for strategic governance and competitive advantage.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2
Key Features
- Four POUR principles organize accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic for all web content types
- Backward compatible incremental version updates
- Separates normative requirements from techniques
ISO 56002
ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system — Guidance
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for structured IMS implementation
- Emphasizes top-management leadership commitment
- Portfolio governance with stage-gate processes
- Balanced KPIs for performance evaluation
- Tailorable guidance for all organization sizes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is a W3C Recommendation, the global standard for web content accessibility. It defines testable success criteria to ensure content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Scope includes all web technologies; layered approach uses principles, guidelines, and criteria.
Key Components
- **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines with ~90 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Informative techniques, failures, and understanding documents.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with laws (ADA, Section 508, EAA/EN 301 549).
- Mitigates litigation, boosts UX/conversion/SEO.
- Enables procurement, enhances reputation/inclusion.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance/policy, assessment, remediation via design systems/CI tools, training, monitoring.
- Applies universally; no formal certification but VPATs/audits common. (178 words)
ISO 56002 Details
What It Is
ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). It applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors, using a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle structured across Clauses 4-10 to manage innovation strategically.
Key Components
- Seven core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leaders, strategic direction, culture, insights, uncertainty management, adaptability, systems thinking.
- Non-prescriptive; tailorable processes like portfolio governance and stage-gates.
- Aligns with Annex SL for integration; no fixed controls, optional certification via ISO 56001.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives measurable innovation outcomes and ROI.
- Enhances resilience, agility, and competitive edge.
- Builds stakeholder trust; no legal mandate but strategic for markets valuing innovation capability.
- Mitigates risks like project failure and resource waste.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: diagnostic, design, pilot, scale, sustain (12-18 months typical).
- Involves maturity assessments (e.g., PII), policy development, tooling, audits.
- Universal applicability; pragmatic for SMEs via staged adoption.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | ISO 56002 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Innovation management systems organization-wide |
| Industry | All web-publishing sectors globally | All sectors and sizes worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, technology-agnostic | Voluntary ISO guidance, management framework |
| Testing | Automated scans, manual audits, user testing | Internal audits, management reviews, KPIs |
| Penalties | Litigation under ADA, no direct fines | No penalties, business performance risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and ISO 56002
WCAG FAQ
ISO 56002 FAQ
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