Designing for Inclusivity: Why Accessibility Matters
It's important to remember that accessibility is crucial to the design.
First and foremost, it's essential to consider the needs of users with disabilities from the very beginning of the design process. Don't just tack on accessibility features as an afterthought – make sure they're a core part of your design.
One of the easiest ways to make your design more accessible is to use clear and straightforward language. Avoid jargon and technical terms, and make sure your buttons and labels are easy to understand. You don't want to confuse your users, or they might accidentally click the "delete everything" button instead of the "save" button.
Another critical aspect of accessibility is providing options for users to customize the interface to meet their individual needs and preferences. This might include adjusting font sizes, high-contrast color schemes, and flexible layouts. This way, users can make the interface work for them rather than contorting themselves to fit the interface.
Of course, it's not just about making the interface itself accessible – the content on the page should be accessible as well. This means providing alternative text (alt text) for images and other non-text elements so that users who cannot see them can still understand what they represent. It also means making sure your videos have captions and your audio has transcripts so that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the content.
When designing accessible digital products for mobile devices, there are several key things to look out for:
- Compatibility with assistive technologies: Many users with disabilities rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and keyboard shortcuts to access digital content. Make sure your mobile design is compatible with these technologies, and provide clear instructions for users on enabling and using them.
- Responsive design: Mobile devices come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and users may access your content on anything from a miniature smartphone to a large tablet. Make sure your design is responsive and can adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions so that it looks and works great on any device.
- Touchscreen accessibility: Most mobile devices are controlled using a touchscreen, which can be difficult or impossible for some users with disabilities to use. Consider providing alternative input methods, such as voice commands or physical buttons, to make your mobile design accessible to a broader range of users.
- Legible text and clear contrast: Small screens and low resolutions can make reading text on mobile devices difficult. Make sure your text is legible and easy to read and use high-contrast colors to ensure that your content is visible and accessible to all users.
- Accessible content: In addition to the design of the user interface, the content on your mobile app or website should also be accessible. This means providing alternative text for images, captions, transcripts for videos and audio, and clear and simple language throughout.
- Consistent navigation: Mobile devices often have smaller screens and limited space, making it challenging to provide a clear and consistent navigation structure. Ensure your navigation is easy to understand and use, and provide clear labels and instructions for users to follow.
- User testing: It's always a good idea to test your mobile design with a diverse group of users, including those with disabilities, to see how well it works and identify any potential accessibility issues. This can help you refine your design and ensure that it is usable and enjoyable for all users.
- Accessibility standards: There are several accessibility standards and guidelines that can help you design more accessible mobile products. These include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Mobile Web Best Practices (MWBP), which provide specific recommendations for designing accessible mobile content and interfaces.
- Training and support: Finally, it's essential to provide training and support for your users, including those with disabilities, to help them learn how to use your mobile product effectively. This might include online tutorials, user manuals, and customer support services. You can ensure that all users can get the most out of your mobile product by providing the necessary resources and support.
Some examples of real applications that are specifically designed around accessibility include:
- Voice Dream Reader: This is a text-to-speech app that allows users to listen to digital books, articles, and other written content. It includes features like variable speed playback, customizable voices, and support for multiple languages.
- TapTapSee: This is a camera-based app that uses machine learning to identify objects in the user's environment and provide audio feedback about them. It can be useful for users who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to better navigate and understand their surroundings.
- Proloquo2Go: This is a communication app that provides a customizable, picture-based vocabulary for users who are unable to speak or have difficulty communicating. It includes features like word prediction, text-to-speech, and support for multiple languages.
- Be My Eyes: This is a social networking app that connects users who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers who can provide visual assistance through a live video call. This can be useful for tasks like reading labels, identifying colors, or navigating unfamiliar environments.
- ClaroSpeak: This is a text-to-speech app that allows users to listen to digital books, articles, and other written content. It includes features like adjustable speech rate, highlighting, and support for multiple languages.
