Why being inclusive is key when developing an app

Today, there is a good chance that you use applications on a daily basis. Like everyone else, people with disabilities and accessibility needs often depend on smartphones and smartphone apps. Unfortunately, the needs of people with disabilities are rarely taken into account as much as those of others. This is where you can help as a developer. If you make sure your app is accessible, not only will you help make the world a much fairer place for people with accessibility needs, but your app will also be exposed to this whole new audience of people that you don't. you may not have considered before.

To that end, here's a look at what disability and accessibility really mean to a business and to users, and we'll also discuss some potential design features you could use to increase app accessibility for a wider audience. range of people.

Does an application really have to be accessible?

It's important when designing any type of product, apps in particular, that you don't just rely on your target audience consuming your creation without asking questions. You need to take into account that each user has their own set of needs and some of them need to be addressed before you even download your app. The conditions that come to mind might be loss of sight and/or hearing loss – but there really are many others that aren't even technically considered disabilities – think of conditions such as dyslexia, dizziness and even just wearing glasses. These elements can each have a dramatic effect on how your applications interact.

It stands to reason that you can't really assume that there will be a "normal" audience for your apps, because really, no one is truly quantifiable "normal." The best thing to do is try to get feedback from all kinds of people. This feedback can range from simple preferences to crucial requirements – prepare to be surprised by the results!

Is accessibility only important for people with disabilities?

Disability is not a simple thing, and just because someone doesn't need a wheelchair or a service dog doesn't mean they don't have a any deficiency. In fact, it is common for people with disabilities to define disability more by referring to the struggles they face that have been put in place by society, as opposed to their physical difficulties. Think of it this way, if sidewalks were a bit wider as standard and more buildings used elevators, people in wheelchairs would have a lot less difficulty getting around.

Are there accessibility guidelines in apps?

It's essential for an app designer who wants to build a widely accessible app to consider implementing a few of these features if they can. They're all very simple - if not just plain common sense:

• Make sure you optimize your app for desktop and mobile – it's common for people to rely on tablets and phones as well as desktops.
• Try not to rely on color alone to indicate differences in functionality or effects – colorblind users may have difficulty understanding said differences
• If using sounds, make sure they occur with a rumble or visual effect – this helps the hearing impaired not miss the cue
• Don't rely on your users having to use precise gestures to navigate your app – this can cause difficulties for people with conditions such as dyspraxia, motor limitations and even just loss of fingers
• Make sure button placement stays consistent on every page in your app, if it has any - this may seem obvious, but really makes a difference to anyone relying on relative button placement on the pages
• Make sure your fonts are readable, keeping them clear and simple – it can be difficult for people with visual impairments or dyslexia to read fancy fonts
• Don't count on your users having to memorize large amounts of information from screen to screen – this can be a hindrance for anyone who suffers from memory loss, or learning difficulties
• Make sure all your text is a readable size – most people are comfortable with a font around 14pt
• Try to keep all content written in plain English, without technical jargon, and in short sentences, so it's easy to read – it's actually common for people to have a level lower literacy, and these users may struggle with large portions of the text, some might not be able to read it at all

Implementing any of these features shouldn't be a problem at all for most app developers, and the payoff can be huge – so many people have access to your app who might not otherwise. not been able to use it before. If you found it simple and want to make your app even more accessible, here are some more technically advanced features you could try using:

• Give your users a choice of font sizes so it can be tailored to individual needs
• Implement a white on black (dark mode) – this provides more contrast, which can be good for anyone with a visual impairment, and also the dark background is easier for anyone with migraines or even just plain unfavorable to bright screens
• Use Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) – this is useful for those who use screen readers
• Consider using alt text descriptions on your photos and videos – this gives people using text-to-speech software a simple and accurate description of said photo or video
• Allow the use of keyboard commands only for your application
• Make sure users have access to transcripts of any audio or video content on your app

Implementing these accessibility features is not only great for your users who have additional needs or disabilities, but also lets all of your other users know that your business is disability-friendly and inclusive. This not only helps your brand image, but also lets other potential users with disabilities know that you are attentive to their needs.

Ultimately, customers like to feel appreciated and valued, and by making your app more accessible, it can make all the difference to an often overlooked and ignored group of people.