Accessible Luxury By Design
Luxury should be accessible to everyone
Accessibility is not a compromise on design — it is a commitment to reaching every customer. For luxury brands, this means creating digital experiences that are beautiful, immersive, and usable by people of all abilities, including those using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or assistive technologies.
With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into force in June 2025 and increasing legal requirements globally, accessibility is no longer optional. Skywire helps luxury brands meet and exceed WCAG 2.2 standards, ensuring compliance whilst preserving the visual and experiential standards that define your brand.
WCAG 2.2 compliance areas
01
Perceivable
- Text alternatives for images
- Captions and audio descriptions
- Adaptable content structure
- Sufficient colour contrast
02
Operable
- Full keyboard navigation
- No time limits on interactions
- No seizure-inducing content
- Clear navigation and wayfinding
03
Understandable
- Clear, readable text
- Predictable navigation
- Input assistance and error handling
- Consistent user interface
04
Robust
- Valid, semantic HTML
- Correct ARIA implementation
- Assistive technology compatibility
- Cross-browser testing
Our approach
We integrate accessibility into the design and development process from the start, not as an afterthought. Our team conducts manual and automated testing using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and a range of assistive technologies to ensure genuine usability — not just technical compliance.
For existing sites, we provide comprehensive accessibility audits with prioritised remediation plans, helping you achieve compliance efficiently and maintain it as your site evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European Accessibility Act?
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is EU legislation that requires digital products and services — including ecommerce websites — to meet accessibility standards from June 2025. Non-compliance can result in legal action and fines. It applies to businesses selling to EU customers, regardless of where the business is based.
Will accessibility changes affect our brand design?
No. Accessibility and beautiful design are fully compatible. Our approach ensures your brand's visual identity remains intact whilst making the experience usable for everyone. In many cases, accessibility improvements — such as clearer typography and more intuitive navigation — enhance the experience for all users.
What level of WCAG compliance should we target?
We recommend WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the standard for luxury ecommerce sites. This level covers the vast majority of accessibility requirements and satisfies most legal frameworks, including the EAA. Level AAA can be targeted for specific areas where appropriate.
How do you test for accessibility?
We use a combination of automated scanning tools (axe, Lighthouse), manual testing with screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS), keyboard-only navigation testing, and real-user testing with people who use assistive technologies daily. This multi-layered approach catches issues that automated tools alone would miss.
Do you offer ongoing accessibility support?
Yes. Accessibility is not a one-time fix — it requires ongoing attention as content and features change. We offer retainer-based accessibility support including regular audits, developer training, and review of new features before they are published.
