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7 Step Mobile App Accessibility Checklist

Let's face it, inaccessible apps are becoming more and more common. In fact, studies show that up to 23% of apps do not provide accessibility metadata or the  “content description”. This means that people with disabilities who use screen readers to interact with their mobile phones are at a significant disadvantage.

Even though mobile usage is on the rise, accessible mobile apps are not. Companies and app owners are not giving enough importance to making their apps accessible. People are suing companies for not making their apps accessible. Reports indicate, that in the first half of 2021, there was a 64% increase in the number of lawsuits in the United States that alleged websites, apps, and digital videos were inaccessible to people with disabilities in comparison to the year prior. 

This suggests that companies need to be more aware of accessibility issues and work to create content that is inclusive for all audiences.

Why Is Mobile App Accessibility Important?

Mobile accessibility is all about helping web apps and mobile apps to be used by people with disabilities. It is a process of making your app usable and navigable by everyone, including those who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing.

This content is not limited to mobile phones and tablets and can be delivered via:

  • Wearables
  • In-vehicle infotainment systems
  • Internet-connected appliances
  • Home control systems
  • Smart TVs

Mobile app-accessibility matters because users engage and interact with content in many ways. To be accessible, your content should be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For example, if native apps are not accessible, they'll fail to drive engagement and conversions. If the mobile web content is not accessible, it'll be harder for users to find and consume your content.

Taking a smarter approach to mobile app accessibility, from the start, will not only improve your chances of success but also help you avoid issues down the road.

7-Step Checklist to Help Make Your Mobile App Accessible

Creating an accessible mobile app requires more than just adding some “alt text” to your images. You need to design and develop your app with accessibility in mind, from the start. This includes everything from choosing the right color scheme to adding support for screen readers.

Here is a 6-step checklist to help make your mobile app accessible:

Step #1: Design for All Screen Sizes and Devices

Every designer that cares about app accessibility should design for all screen sizes. When building native apps, they should keep smaller screen sizes in mind when designing for larger screens.

A smaller screen naturally has less space for content and UI elements. This can present challenges for people with cognitive disabilities who need more time to scan and digest content. Users who have to magnify their screens will also have difficulty reading content that's too close together.

Here's how designers can help users get the most out of smaller screens:

  • Providing a dedicated mobile website (or making the existing site responsive).
  • Ensuring that all UI elements, buttons, and links are large enough to be tapped easily.
  • Giving users the ability to enlarge text size for better readability.
  • Use high-contrast colors and larger font sizes for better readability.
  • Positioning form fields and labels close to each other.
  • Minimizing the need for users to scroll horizontally.

Step #2: Work Closely on Touch Targets

When it comes to mobile app design, touch targets are one of the most important app-accessibility guidelines. Touch targets are the areas on the screen that users can touch or tap to interact with an element.

They need to be large enough so that users can easily tap them, even if they have large fingers or are using a stylus. They also need to be spaced apart enough so that users can tap them without accidentally tapping another element.

Here are a few tips for designing better touch targets:

  • Ensure all touch targets are at least 48x48 pixels.
  • Make sure touch targets have a minimum spacing of 8 pixels between them.
  • Use larger touch targets for important elements, such as call-to-action buttons.
  • Position touch targets close to where users will expect them to be.

There are a lot of factors to consider when designing touch targets. But, if you keep the tips above in mind, you'll be on your way to designing better touch targets that are more accessible for all users.

Step #3: Use Native Controls and System Fonts

When designing your app, use native controls whenever possible. System fonts are also a great way to make your app more accessible.

Native controls are pre-designed UI elements that come with the operating system. They're optimized for legibility and touchability, making them much easier for users to interact with.

Using native controls also helps with discoverability. Users are already familiar with how they work, so they'll be able to use your app more easily.

System fonts are designed to be legible on all screen sizes and devices. They're also optimized for different languages, making them a great choice for international audiences.

Keep the following in mind when using system fonts:

  • Choose a font that's legible on all screen sizes.
  • Make sure the font supports different languages.
  • Optimize the font for touch screens.

Your app will be more accessible and user-friendly when you don't ignore the importance of typography.

Step #4: Support Different Input Methods

In addition to supporting different screen sizes and devices, your app should also support different input methods. This includes traditional input methods like keyboards and mice as well as newer ones like voice control and eye-tracking.

Let's look into each one of them:

1) Keyboards are the most common input method for mobile devices. However, users with motor impairments may have difficulty using them. To make your app more accessible, you should support alternative input methods like voice control and eye-tracking.

2) Voice control is an app accessibility feature that allows users to control their devices with their voices. This can be a great option for users with motor impairments who have difficulty using traditional input methods.

3) Eye-tracking is another input method that can be used by people with motor impairments. This technology tracks the user's eye movements and translates them into input commands.

There are still other input methods worth considering, like switch control and head tracking. The best way to find out which ones to support is to consult with users with disabilities. They'll be able to tell you which input methods work best for them.

Step #5: Optimize Images, Videos & Animations

Images, videos, and animations can be a great way to engage users. But they can also be a barrier to app-accessibility if not done correctly.

Many people with disabilities rely on screen readers to consume content. If you avoid using complex images and videos, it will be easier for screen reader users to understand your content.

Here's how you should optimize your visuals:

1) Images: All images should have “alt text” that describes the image. This is especially important for infographics and charts. The text should be short, clear, and easy to understand.

2) Videos: All videos need to have captions. The text should be large, easy to read, and synchronized with the audio. Or else, provide a transcript of the video.

3) Animations: Avoid using animations that blink, flash, or scroll automatically. If you must use them, give users the ability to turn off the animation. Animations should be short and not too distracting.

The key to remember is that not every person perceives visuals the same way. By optimizing them for accessibility, you can help everyone enjoy your content.

Step #6: Don't Complicate Device Gestures

Device gestures are the different ways users can interact with their devices. The most common ones are taps, swipes, and long presses.

When designing your app, you should keep gestures simple. Users should be able to complete them without too much difficulty. If a gesture is too complicated, it could discourage users from using it.

For example, a swipe gesture should only require one finger. And a long-press should only last for a couple of seconds.

In addition, you should provide feedback when a user completes a gesture. This can be in the form of a sound, vibration, or animation. This will let the user know that their input was successful.

Device gestures are a great way to make your app more interactive. But you need to make sure they're simple and easy to use.

Step #7: Use Accessible Colors

Color is an important part of any visual design. But it's also one of the most difficult accessibility features to get right.

There are two things you need to keep in mind when using color:

1) The contrast ratio between the foreground and background should be at least 4.5:1. This will ensure that users with low vision can see the text.

2) You should avoid using color as the only way to convey information. For example, don't use red to indicate an error. Use other cues like symbols or text instead.

It's also important to remember that not everyone perceives color the same way. Some people are colorblind, while others have difficulty distinguishing between certain colors. That's why it's important to use other cues like shapes and text to convey information.

When used correctly, color can be a great way to engage users and add visual interest to your app. But you need to be careful not to rely on it too much.

Conclusion

When it comes to app-accessibility guidelines, there's a lot to keep in mind. But if you follow the tips in this article, you'll be on your way to creating an accessible app for everyone.

At AppStem, we understand the importance of accessibility. That's why all of our app designs are accessible and easy to use for everyone.

We are the best in the business when it comes to designing accessible mobile apps because we have a team of experts who know how to design for all types of users. Contact us today to learn more about our services.



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