Addressing Accessibility in Successful App Development

Core Concepts

Developers must prioritize accessibility in successful app development to ensure inclusivity and user satisfaction.

Abstract

Standalone Note here The article highlights the common oversight of accessibility in successful app development. Tunnel-vision on shipping new features can lead to neglecting accessibility needs. 1 in 6 users may face issues with inaccessible apps. Lack of awareness and prioritization of accessibility can harm user experience. The author provides steps to audit and improve accessibility in SwiftUI apps. Demonstrates the importance of making apps usable for screen-readers and accommodating different text scales.

Stats

16% of people have some kind of accessibility (a11y if you’re one of the cool kids) requirement.

Quotes

"If you play your cards right, this focus pays off, rocketing your app to the top of the download charts." "The more successful you become, the worse you’re perceived for failing to acknowledge the a11y needs of your users."

Key Insights Distilled From

Oh Sh*t, My App is Successful and I Didn’t Think About Accessibility

by Jacob Bartle... at levelup.gitconnected.com 03-19-2024

https://levelup.gitconnected.com/oh-sh-t-my-app-is-successful-and-i-didnt-think-about-accessibility-3523dc691820

Deeper Inquiries

How can developers balance feature development with ensuring accessibility?

Developers can balance feature development with ensuring accessibility by incorporating accessibility considerations into the initial design and development process. This means thinking about accessibility from the very beginning of a project rather than treating it as an afterthought. By integrating accessibility requirements into the overall product roadmap, developers can ensure that features are not only innovative but also inclusive. Additionally, utilizing tools like automated testing for accessibility compliance can help catch issues early on in the development cycle, making it easier to address them before they become more complex and time-consuming to fix.

What are the consequences of neglecting accessibility in app development?

Neglecting accessibility in app development can have significant consequences both ethically and financially. Ethically, failing to consider users with disabilities excludes a portion of the population from accessing and benefiting from your app, leading to discrimination and inequality. From a financial standpoint, ignoring accessibility could result in legal repercussions due to non-compliance with regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Moreover, inaccessible apps may receive negative reviews or ratings which can harm brand reputation and ultimately lead to loss of users and revenue.

How can leadership be encouraged to prioritize accessibility initiatives?

Leadership can be encouraged to prioritize accessibility initiatives by highlighting the business case for investing in accessible design practices. Demonstrating how addressing accessibility concerns not only benefits users but also aligns with corporate social responsibility goals can resonate with decision-makers. Providing concrete examples of successful companies that have prioritized inclusivity and reaped rewards in terms of customer loyalty and positive brand perception can further convince leadership of the importance of prioritizing accessibility initiatives. Additionally, involving stakeholders early on in discussions about implementing accessible features and showcasing potential return on investment through increased user engagement and retention rates can help garner support for prioritizing these initiatives at a higher level within an organization.