Accessibility is the practice of making your websites usable by as many people as possible. We traditionally think of this as being about people with disabilities, but the practice of making sites accessible also benefits other groups such as those using mobile devices, or those with slow network connections.
You might also think of accessibility as treating everyone the same, and giving them equal opportunities, no matter what their ability or circumstances. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. This amounts to over one billion people, meaning a significant percentage of your potential users may require your application to be accessible.
Making mobile apps accessible is more than merely a compliance checkbox and in this blogpost we will explore the minimum practices you should consider when building a digital product.
Note: a11y is a commonly used abbreviation for "accessibility." The abbreviation is formed by replacing the 11 letters between the initial "a" and the final "y" with the number 11.
Optimize Visual Elements
Ensuring high contrast and adjustable text sizes is critical for users with visual impairments. Text should be legible and interfaces clearly distinguishable, using contrast ratios that comply with accessibility guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Elements should also resize appropriately without losing functionality when users magnify content.
Tip: Use tools like WCAG Contrast Checker to verify sufficient contrast between text and background.
Screen Reader Compatibility and Alternative Text
Screen reader compatibility is a fundamental component of accessibility. Developers should add descriptive labels to buttons and alternative text to images, helping users with visual impairments navigate and comprehend content. This approach improves app usability for those relying on assistive technologies.
Tip: Always include a descriptive aria-label that makes the accessible elements easy to identify by people using screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS) or TalkBack (Android).
Responsive and Adaptive Design
Your app should accommodate different screen sizes and orientations. This adaptability is key for people with motor or learning impairments who may need stable and structured layouts to access content effectively. Features like resizable layouts and multiple interaction options enhance usability.
Tip: Ensure buttons and touchable areas are large enough (at least 48x48 dp, per Google guidelines).
Accessible Navigation and Controls
Simplified navigation with predictable, logical paths and touch-friendly elements can help users with mobility impairments or cognitive disabilities. Interactive elements should be clearly defined and reachable without complex gestures.
Tip: Proper use of headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) structures your content, making it easier for screen-reader users to navigate and understand the layout of your website. Headings should be used hierarchically to denote sections and subsections, providing a clear outline of the page content.
Support for Multimedia Content
Make multimedia accessible by including captions, transcripts, and alternative audio descriptions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. These measures ensure inclusive engagement with audio and video content.
Tip: To implement this, use HTML5 video and audio elements with caption tracks (using the <track> tag) and provide transcripts in an accessible format nearby.
Checklists
There are some websites that can be really helpful in the development process to ensure you’re not missing anything.
The a11y project checklist for example will help you to improve the experience for everyone who uses your digital platform.
By making accessibility a central part of your app’s development, you ensure more users can experience, interact with, and appreciate your work. Doing so is a win-win: fostering inclusivity not only enriches user satisfaction but also broadens your audience and builds loyalty.
Don’t hesitate investing your time on this, the benefits always outweigh!
Looking for software engineers who design more inclusive experiences for your users? Talk to our talent experts and discover the solutions we can offer you.
