Accessible design isn’t optional

By Isabella, Head of Strategy

When I first heard about WCAG, I thought: “Another checklist? Really?” More rules, more work. But something about it stuck. Because somewhere between those guidelines lies something that hits home for us at HLO: creating digital experiences that work for everyone. And that makes accessibility not just relevant to us, but to anyone building a brand for real people.

‍

More than an obligation

More and more organizations are taking accessibility seriously. Not just because the law is changing, but because it’s the right thing to do.
Everyone deserves a digital experience that simply works. Period. At HLO, we’re (not yet) legally required to comply — but many of our clients are. So we make it a priority. For them, and for their audiences. For inclusive brands that truly connect.

For us, accessibility isn’t a requirement. It’s just good design.

So, what is WCAG?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines — a mouthful, but the idea is simple: make sure your website works for everyone. Whether someone is visually or hearing impaired, can’t use a mouse, or gets distracted easily — good accessibility helps people take part. Think color contrast, readability, captions, keyboard navigation, and most importantly: designing consciously for diversity.

‍

Who is WCAG for?

The WCAG guidelines are for everyone who wants to be online — but for whom that isn’t always easy. That includes people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities. But also older adults, people with low literacy, or anyone with a temporary limitation. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines have become the global standard for digital accessibility. In the Netherlands, (semi-)government organizations are already required to comply — and more and more companies are following suit.

What’s in it for you?

An accessible website doesn’t exclude anyone. It expands your reach and improves the experience for everyone. Because inclusive design isn’t just the right thing to do— it’s simply better design.

At HLO, everything we do starts with people. And designing for people means thinking about people. Creating a brand that feels right, works smoothly, and looks familiar — no matter your ability, language, device, or speed — that’s what accessibility is all about. And that’s what we strive to master.

How we approach it

Accessibility isn’t a plug-in or a one-click fix. It takes testing, tweaking, and sometimes starting over. But that’s exactly what drives us: improving through the details. We start with quick wins, like:

  • Better color contrast
  • Clearer buttons
  • Descriptive alt texts for images

Then we tackle the bigger parts — structured, measurable, and organized — following WCAG guidelines. We work with a plan: what, who, when, and why. So we don’t just build beautiful digital experiences, but inclusive ones — steadily working toward a fully WCAG-proof website.

‍

What’s in it for you?

Accessibility isn’t just about our site — it’s about your brand. Your reach. Your audience. Whether you’re required to be WCAG-compliant, or you simply want everyone to experience your brand: we’re here to help.

free

survey

What does this mean for you?

Accessibility is not just about our website, it’s about your brand and the people you want to reach. By immersing ourselves in WCAG and inclusive design, we ensure we can help you do the same.

Maybe you are required to comply with the guidelines, or maybe you just want everyone to experience your brand—from your website to your campaigns. We make that possible.

So: do you want a brand that truly works for everyone? Then HLO is the right place for you.

You can grow with a brand that everyone understands, sees, and can use!

‍

Curious how accessible your brand already is?

Curious how accessible your brand already is? We’re happy to take a look — no strings attached. Often, small changes make a big difference. From quick improvements to smart strategic decisions, we’ll help you discover what makes your brand more inclusive today. Send us a message, and we’ll schedule a short session. Accessibility starts with awareness — and we’re happy to give you ours.

Schedule a short sessionsend us an e-mailStuur ons een e-mail

Lees meer van onze insights

Insight
Insight

AI: Mens & Machine in co-creatie

AI: Mens & Machine in co-creatie

Duik met ons mee in de wereld van AI. Ontdek hoe we bij HLO technologie inzetten om niet alleen sneller maar ook slimmer te werken, zonder de menselijke touch te verliezen die merken écht laat leven.

AI, AI, AI...

Insight
Insight

Merknaam bedenken: een kwestie van emotie of strategie? (Hint: het is niet wat je denkt!)

Merknaam bedenken: een kwestie van emotie of strategie? (Hint: het is niet wat je denkt!)

What’s in a name? Heel veel. Maar wist je dat mensen de emotionele waarde vaak zwaar overschatten wanneer ze een merknaam bedenken? Strategie komt éérst!

Merknaam bedenken: een kwestie van emotie of strategie?

Insight
Insight

Wat is storytelling? Zó vertel je een goed merkverhaal

Wat is storytelling? Zó vertel je een goed merkverhaal

Met een goed merkverhaal zet je je merk op de kaart. Maar wat is storytelling nu precies? En hoe zet je het in om verbinding en fans te creëren?

Wat is storytelling? Zó vertel je een goed merkverhaal

Read more of our insights

Sort
insight
January 1, 2025
insight
January 1, 2025
Brand Strategy for Family Businesses: Stay On Track In Times of Change
Brand Strategy for Family Businesses: Stay On Track In Times of Change

Family businesses think long term. Their timelines stretch beyond months or years — they think in generations. This creates loyalty and consistency, but also brings challenges. What happens when vision and tradition start to clash?

Family businesses think long term. Their timelines stretch beyond months or years — they think in generations. This creates loyalty and consistency, but also brings challenges. What happens when vision and tradition start to clash?

insight
January 27, 2025
insight
January 27, 2025
Coming up with a brand name: emotions versus strategy
Coming up with a brand name: emotions versus strategy

What's in a name? Well, a lot. But when coming up with a brand name, many people overestimate its emotional value. Strategy comes first!

What's in a name? Well, a lot. But when coming up with a brand name, many people overestimate its emotional value. Strategy comes first!

walk & talk
January 2, 2025
Abin Accountants x HLO

In our Walk & Talk’s we discuss briefly how we worked together and what it achieved, since we began this adventure a year ago.

Join our inner circle

Stay in the loop? Sign up for our newsletter. Get inspired and join us on our adventures!

Thank you!
You're added to our mailing list.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again

Onze inner circle hoort het als eerste...

Blijf op de hoogte via onze maandelijkse nieuwsbrief.
Meld je aan, laat je inspireren en beleef onze avonturen mee!

Bedankt!
Je wordt toegevoegd aan onze mailinglijst.
Oeps! Er is iets fout gegaan bij het verzenden van het formulier. Probeer het opnieuw.

Before you download...

We'd love to start by getting to know you a little bit.

By submitting you agree to our privacy policy.

Thank you!

Now you can download the file below.

download pdf
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.

Voordat je downloadt...

We leren je graag eerst een beetje kennen.

Door te versturen ga je akkoord met ons privacybeleid.

Dank je!

Nu kun je het bestand hieronder downloaden.

download pdf
Oeps! Er is iets misgegaan bij het verzenden van het formulier. Probeer het opnieuw.

Turning people into fans

new business
contact@hlobranding.com+31 70 350 2853
HLO headquarters
Torenstraat 144-C
2513 BW The Hague
The Netherlands
join our team
vacancy@hlobranding.comCheck our open positions
follow us!
© 2025 HLO Branding Agency
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Turning people into fans

Kom in contact
contact@hlobranding.com+31 70 350 2853
HLO headquarters
Torenstraat 144-C
2513 BW Den Haag
Nederland
kom bij ons team
vacancy@hlobranding.comBekijk onze openstaande vacatures
Nieuwsgierig naar meer?
© 2025 HLO Branding Agency
Voorwaarden en condities
Privacybeleid

Before you download...

We'd love to start by getting to know you a little bit.

By submitting you agree to our privacy policy.

Thank you!

Now you can download the file below.

download pdf
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.

Voordat je downloadt...

We leren je graag eerst een beetje kennen.

Door te versturen ga je akkoord met ons privacybeleid.

Dank je!

Nu kun je het onderstaande bestand downloaden.

download pdf
Oeps! Er ging iets mis bij het versturen van het formulier. Probeer het nog een keer.

Before you download...

We'd love to start by getting to know you a little bit.

By submitting you agree to our privacy policy.

Thank you!

Now you can download the file below.

download pdf
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.

Voordat je downloadt...

We leren je graag eerst een beetje kennen.

Door te versturen ga je akkoord met ons privacybeleid.

Dank je!

Nu kun je het onderstaande bestand downloaden.

download pdf
Oeps! Er ging iets mis bij het versturen van het formulier. Probeer het nog een keer.

Before you download...

We'd love to start by getting to know you a little bit.

By submitting you agree to our privacy policy.

Thank you!

Now you can download the file below.

download pdf
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again.

Voordat je downloadt...

We leren je graag eerst een beetje kennen.

Door te versturen ga je akkoord met ons privacybeleid.

Dank je!

Nu kun je het onderstaande bestand downloaden.

download pdf
Oeps! Er ging iets mis bij het versturen van het formulier. Probeer het nog een keer.

Hoe kan je je merk laten

groeien?

Vul onze gratis brandscan in en ontvang de stappen om je bedrijf succesvol te laten zijn.

start hier!

DON'T LEAVE ME!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
x