In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology, creating apps that are accessible to all users has become more than just a best practice. It’s a moral imperative! As we progress further into 2024, the importance of designing with accessibility in mind continues to grow, shaping the way we approach app development and user experience.
So, a while back, I was on a train in Yokohama, Japan, and there was this guy who looked like he was in his late 20s, heading to work or maybe school. What caught my eye were his arms - they were pretty unusual. Instead of regular elbows and forearms like mine, his arms had these super thin, floppy, elastic-like fingers and no palms. It was like his fingers were all he had. I couldn't help but think, "Pretty flimsy," you know? Couldn't imagine how he'd grip something, write, scroll on Instagram, type, tie his shoes, or even brush his hair with those. As I casually held my phone in my palm and scrolled through Instagram, I thought about how many people with disabilities might be missing out on digital experiences. That got me thinking, "How can I and other designers make sure he enjoys digital spaces too?"
Although I lack all the answers and I’m unsure of his true capabilities, I managed to consider accessibility in a broader sense. Come along as I explore the ever-changing connection between technology and accessibility and learn how we can have a significant impact on building digital spaces that empower and enhance the experiences of every user.
Let’s get into 10 ways we can build inclusive digital spaces!
1. Translation/Language options
It’s 2024 and a lot of the apps I use in Japan still don’t allow users to select their preferred language. I've deleted many apps because they just weren't accessible to me. I shouldn’t have to constantly take screenshots and switch over to Google Translate to make sense of what’s on my screen. It’s rather tedious, especially when filling out forms. Allow users to select their preferred language from a dropdown list or menu and ensure that the selected language is applied across all content including menus, instructions, error messages, and more to create a seamless and inclusive digital experience.
2 Help texts
Implementing help texts can greatly enhance app accessibility by offering users extra guidance and clarity. While we strive to utilize straightforward language in our designs, it is crucial to minimize cognitive burden. This approach assists individuals with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, language barriers, different literacy levels, and even anxiety by making error prevention and recovery easier.
3. Descriptive links
Provide clear and informative anchor texts that accurately describe the destination or purpose of links within the design. This will be of great help to users who rely on screen readers. It will also improve the overall usability by making navigation more intuitive and reducing cognitive load. Let users quickly determine the relevance of the linked content without needing to explore it further if they don’t need/ want to.
4. Text-to-speech functionality
Text-to-speech (TTS) technology plays a crucial role in improving accessibility by transforming written text into spoken words, serving as bridge to the digital world. This functionality is particularly beneficial for individuals facing visual impairments, learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or challenges that impact reading skills. Through TTS, users can engage with digital content like websites, documents, ebooks, and messages through audio, reducing their reliance on visual reading. This functionality fosters independence and inclusivity, empowering users to access information more effectively and engage more actively in digital interactions. By integrating text-to-speech features into applications and devices, information becomes accessible to a wider audience, thereby advancing equal opportunities for information access and communication.
5. Screen Reader Compatibility
A screen reader is a crucial tool for accessibility that converts text and other digital content into speech or Braille output. It helps individuals who are blind or have low vision navigate and interact with digital interfaces such as websites, applications, and documents. Screen readers work by verbally presenting the content displayed on a screen, including text, buttons, links, and other elements, allowing users to understand and interact with the content independently. They also provide audio cues and fast navigation features, helping users efficiently move through the information. By improving access to digital content and interfaces, screen readers promote inclusivity and empower people with visual impairments to fully participate in the digital world.
Audio cues play a crucial role in accessibility, delivering vital auditory signals that effectively convey information and support interaction for individuals with visual impairments or those who rely on non-visual feedback. These cues serve a variety of functions, seamlessly guiding users through digital interfaces with navigation prompts, notifying them of important updates and errors, and confirming their actions. In physical settings, audio cues boost safety and navigation by providing directional guidance and alerting to environmental shifts. Through the thoughtful integration of well-crafted auditory signals, designers guarantee that users access crucial information and feedback, promoting inclusivity and empowering diverse communities to navigate and engage confidently in both digital and physical environments.
7. Voice control
Voice control is a pivotal feature in designing accessible apps as it facilitates seamless interaction for users with diverse abilities. Integrating voice commands into app functionalities allows individuals with physical disabilities or limitations to navigate, interact, and perform tasks effectively using spoken instructions. By minimizing the need for conventional input methods such as touchscreens or keyboards, this method improves accessibility for users who may find these methods difficult or even temporarily inaccessible. This not only improves usability but also adheres to universal design principles, ensuring that apps are accessible to a wider range of users.
8. Alt text for images
Alt text (alternative text) for images is crucial for accessibility, providing a textual description that can be read aloud by screen readers or displayed when images cannot be rendered. This feature is essential for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as for users relying on text-based browsers or facing slow internet connections. By including descriptive and concise alt text, designers guarantee that their digital content is inclusive and accessible to all users, irrespective of abilities or technological limitations.
9. Flexible layouts
Flexible layouts significantly enhance app accessibility by ensuring that the app's interface can adapt to various devices, screen sizes, and user preferences. This adaptability is crucial for users with disabilities who may rely on specific text sizes, device orientations, or assistive technologies. This approach not only improves accessibility compliance but also enhances the overall user experience by preventing layout issues that could hinder navigation or interaction for diverse user groups.
10. Color contrast ratios
The contrast ratio plays a vital role in design accessibility by influencing readability and usability for people with visual impairments or color deficiencies. It measures the difference in brightness between text (or other visual elements) and their background. A higher contrast ratio makes text more distinguishable and easier to read, particularly for individuals with poor vision or color blindness. By following accessibility standards that define minimum contrast ratios (such as those outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG), designers can develop interfaces that are inclusive and accessible to a broader audience. This approach not only improves readability but also enhances usability, ensuring that all users can effectively interact with digital content regardless of their visual capabilities.
The wrap up...
Designing accessible apps is not just about meeting compliance standards; it's about ensuring inclusivity and usability for all users, regardless of their abilities. By integrating features like voice control, alt text for images, text-to-speech capabilities, screen reader support, and audio cues, developers can create apps that empower everyone to access and interact with digital content independently and effectively.
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