How Do I Make My Mobile App Accessible?

Introduction

When you've poured your heart and soul into creating a mobile app, you want everyone to be able to use and enjoy it. Yet, for millions of people with disabilities, many apps remain frustratingly difficult or impossible to use. As app creators, we have both the responsibility and opportunity to change this.

Having worked with hundreds of apps over the past eight years, we've seen firsthand how proper accessibility considerations can transform an app from exclusionary to welcoming. It's not just about ticking boxes for compliance—it's about opening your app's doors to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to make your mobile app truly accessible. Whether you're just starting your app development journey or looking to improve an existing application, you'll find practical, actionable advice that's easy to implement.

We understand that accessibility might seem overwhelming at first. There are many aspects to consider, from visual design to technical implementation. But don't worry—we'll break everything down into manageable chunks, using real-world examples and clear explanations that anyone can follow.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid understanding of mobile app accessibility and the confidence to create inclusive digital experiences. Remember, making your app accessible isn't just the right thing to do—it's also good for business, potentially expanding your user base by millions while improving the experience for everyone.

Understanding Mobile App Accessibility

Think about the last time you tried to use your mobile phone in bright sunlight or with one hand whilst carrying shopping bags. Frustrating, wasn't it? Now imagine facing similar challenges every time you try to use an app. That's the daily reality for many people with disabilities, and it's why mobile app accessibility matters so much.

When we design for accessibility, we design for everyone. It's not just about compliance; it's about creating experiences that welcome all users with open arms.Sarah Henderson, Digital Accessibility Expert

At its core, mobile app accessibility means designing and developing applications that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. It's like building a shop with both stairs and a ramp - you're making sure everyone can enter, just in different ways.

Why Accessibility Matters

Beyond being the right thing to do, making your app accessible opens it up to a wider audience. In the UK alone, nearly 14 million people live with some form of disability. That's a massive group of potential users who might otherwise struggle to use your app.

The Four Main Types of Accessibility Needs

• Visual: Including blindness, colour blindness, and low vision
• Auditory: Ranging from partial to complete hearing loss
• Motor: Affecting movement and physical interactions
• Cognitive: Including learning difficulties and memory impairments

Understanding these different needs is your first step towards creating an app that truly works for everyone. Think of accessibility not as a checkbox to tick, but as an opportunity to make your app better for all users. After all, features like good contrast and clear navigation help everyone, not just those with specific needs.

Getting Started with Accessibility Testing

Beginning your accessibility testing journey might feel overwhelming at first, but it's a bit like learning to ride a bicycle – you start with the basics and gradually build confidence. At Glance, we've seen countless developers transform their apps from barely accessible to brilliantly inclusive, and we're here to help you do the same.

Essential Testing Tools

The first step in accessibility testing is equipping yourself with the right tools. Think of these as your accessibility Swiss Army knife – each tool serves a specific purpose in making your app more inclusive.

1. Screen readers (VoiceOver for iOS, TalkBack for Android)
2. Accessibility Scanner tools
3. Contrast checkers
4. Keyboard navigation testing tools
5. Colour blindness simulators

Manual vs Automated Testing

While automated tools are brilliant time-savers (rather like having a spell-checker for accessibility), they shouldn't be your only line of defence. Manual testing, especially with actual users, provides insights that no automated tool can match. It's rather like the difference between having a sat-nav and actually knowing the roads – both have their place.

We recommend starting with automated tools to catch the obvious issues, then moving on to manual testing. Try navigating your app using only a screen reader, or attempt to complete all actions without touching the screen. You might be surprised at what you discover – we certainly were when we first started testing this way!

Remember, accessibility testing isn't a one-off task but an ongoing process. Just as you wouldn't consider your code complete after a single review, accessibility testing should be woven into your regular development cycle.

Making Your Interface Easy to Navigate

When you're building a mobile app, think of navigation like creating a map for a treasure hunt - it needs to be clear, logical, and help everyone reach their destination. At Glance, we've learned that good navigation isn't just about making things look nice; it's about creating a journey that all users can follow effortlessly.

Key Navigation Principles

Let's break down what makes navigation truly accessible. Imagine trying to use your phone with your eyes closed or with just one hand - that's the reality for many users. Simple, consistent navigation patterns are essential.

• Keep menus and buttons in predictable locations
• Maintain generous touch targets (at least 44x44 pixels)
• Ensure sufficient spacing between clickable elements
• Provide clear visual feedback for all interactions
• Include multiple ways to navigate (gestures and buttons)

Navigation Patterns That Work

After working with hundreds of apps, we've found that the most accessible navigation systems share common traits. They use clear headings, logical grouping, and consistent patterns throughout the app. Think of it like arranging furniture in a room - you want to create clear pathways that everyone can use comfortably.

Remember, good navigation isn't about following trends - it's about creating paths that all users can follow, regardless of their abilities or how they interact with their devices.

Writing Clear and Helpful Content

When it comes to making your app accessible, the words you choose matter just as much as your design choices. Clear, helpful content isn't just about making your app easier to use - it's about making everyone feel welcome and understood, regardless of their abilities.

The best content isn't just readable - it's understandable. When we write with clarity and empathy, we open our apps to everyone.

Think about the last time you encountered confusing instructions or vague error messages. Frustrating, wasn't it? Now imagine experiencing that whilst also using assistive technology. That's why writing clear content is crucial for accessibility.

Key Principles for Writing Accessible Content

• Use plain, straightforward language without jargon or complex terms
• Break information into digestible chunks with clear headings
• Write descriptive button labels and link text (avoid "click here" or "learn more")
• Provide clear error messages that explain what went wrong and how to fix it
• Include proper alternative text for images that convey meaning

Remember those instruction manuals that made building furniture feel like solving a puzzle? That's exactly what we want to avoid. Instead, aim for content that's as clear as your favourite recipe book - straightforward, step-by-step, and impossible to misunderstand.

Whether you're writing notifications, instructions, or error messages, always ask yourself: Would this make sense to someone who's encountering your app for the first time? Could someone using a screen reader understand this clearly? If the answer is no, it's time for a rewrite.

Designing for Visual Impairments

When we think about visual impairments, it's easy to assume it only affects a small number of users. However, visual accessibility spans a broad spectrum, from colour blindness to complete vision loss, and affects millions of people worldwide. At Glance, we've learned that designing for visual impairments isn't just about ticking boxes—it's about creating an experience that works brilliantly for everyone.

Colour and Contrast Considerations

Think about trying to read grey text on a white background on a sunny day. Frustrating, isn't it? Now imagine dealing with that challenge every time you use an app. That's why we need to be thoughtful about colour choices and contrast ratios.

Beyond Colour

Remember those times when you've squinted at your phone in bright sunlight? That's a temporary visual impairment we've all experienced. Good accessibility design means using multiple visual cues beyond just colour. Think patterns, shapes, and text labels. For instance, rather than just using a red colour to indicate an error, we can add an error icon and descriptive text.

We also recommend offering text resize options and ensuring your app maintains its layout integrity when text is enlarged. And don't forget about those who use dark mode—your app should look smashing whether it's in light or dark mode, maintaining readability and visual hierarchy in both settings.

Supporting Screen Readers and Voice Control

Let's face it - not everyone interacts with their mobile phone in the same way. For many users, screen readers and voice control aren't just convenient features; they're essential tools for daily life. Having developed countless accessible apps over the years, we understand how crucial it is to get these elements right.

Screen readers and voice control capabilities might seem daunting at first, but they're actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. Think of them as your app's speaking and listening abilities - they need to be clear, responsive, and reliable.

Essential Screen Reader Considerations

• Label all interactive elements clearly and descriptively
• Ensure proper heading hierarchy for logical navigation
• Provide alternative text for all images and icons
• Define the language of your content properly
• Test with popular screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack

Voice Control Implementation

Voice control functionality needs to be intuitive and reliable. Remember that some users might be operating their devices entirely through voice commands. Consider implementing commands that are natural and easy to remember - if you need to explain how to use them, they're probably too complicated.

Remember, good accessibility isn't just about ticking boxes - it's about creating an experience that works seamlessly for everyone, regardless of how they interact with their device.

Making Your App Work for Everyone

When we think about making apps accessible, it's easy to focus on specific disabilities or impairments. However, true accessibility means creating an experience that works brilliantly for everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

Think about how you use your mobile phone throughout the day. Perhaps you're trying to order takeaway whilst carrying shopping bags, checking train times in bright sunlight, or attempting to send a message while walking. These everyday situations highlight why accessibility isn't just about accommodating disabilities – it's about making your app usable in all circumstances.

Universal Design Principles

The key to making your app work for everyone lies in following universal design principles. These create an experience that adapts to different needs without requiring special modes or settings.

1. Offer multiple ways to interact with features
2. Allow personalisation of text size and contrast
3. Ensure touch targets are large enough for everyone
4. Provide clear feedback for all actions
5. Make navigation consistent and predictable

Situational Accessibility

Remember that accessibility needs can be temporary or situational. A person with a broken arm, someone in a noisy environment, or a user with poor mobile reception all benefit from accessible design. By considering these scenarios during development, you'll create an app that's more robust and user-friendly for everyone.

The beauty of inclusive design is that improvements made for one group often benefit others. For instance, clear headings and simple navigation help both screen reader users and those who are simply in a hurry. It's about creating an experience that's flexible enough to accommodate all users, regardless of their circumstances.

Building Accessible Forms and Controls

Forms and interactive controls are often the heart of mobile applications, whether it's a simple login screen or a complex booking system. Making these elements accessible isn't just good practice – it's essential for ensuring everyone can use your app effectively.

Let's start with the basics. Think about how frustrating it is when you can't properly tap a tiny button or when you're not sure if your form submission went through. Now imagine facing these challenges with a visual or motor impairment. That's why we need to pay special attention to how we design these elements.

Essential Form Accessibility Features

1. Use clear, descriptive labels for all form fields
2. Ensure touch targets are at least 44x44 pixels
3. Provide visible focus indicators
4. Include error messages that make sense when read aloud
5. Allow sufficient time to complete forms

One often-overlooked aspect is the keyboard order of your form elements. When users navigate with a screen reader or keyboard, the flow should be logical and intuitive. Imagine trying to complete a form where you jump from the email field to the submit button, then back to the password field – rather confusing, isn't it?

Error Handling

When something goes wrong, your app should communicate errors clearly and provide guidance on how to fix them. Instead of saying "Invalid input," try something like "Please enter your email address in the format name@example.com". This approach helps all users, regardless of their abilities, complete forms successfully.

Remember, accessible forms aren't just about meeting guidelines – they're about creating a better experience for everyone who uses your app.

Meeting Accessibility Standards and Guidelines

When it comes to making your mobile app accessible, it's a bit like following a recipe - you need to know which ingredients (or standards) to include to create something that everyone can enjoy. At Glance, we've seen how following established guidelines not only makes apps more inclusive but also helps them meet legal requirements.

Key Standards to Consider

The two main standards you'll want to focus on are WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and your platform-specific guidelines. Think of WCAG as your accessibility compass - it points you in the right direction for making digital content accessible to everyone. Meanwhile, both Apple's iOS and Google's Android have their own accessibility best practices that complement WCAG.

Remember, meeting these standards isn't just about ticking boxes - it's about creating an app that genuinely works for everyone. We've found that when you build accessibility into your app from the start, rather than treating it as an afterthought, you're much more likely to create something that truly serves all your users.

The good news is that modern development tools make it easier than ever to implement these standards. Many accessibility features can be built right into your app's foundation, making it simpler to maintain and update as guidelines evolve.

Conclusion

Creating an accessible mobile app isn't just about ticking boxes or meeting requirements—it's about opening your digital doors to everyone. Throughout this guide, we've explored how thoughtful design and development choices can make your app more inclusive and user-friendly for people of all abilities.

Remember, accessibility isn't a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. As your app evolves and grows, keep these principles at the heart of your development process. The effort you put into making your app accessible will not only benefit users with disabilities but will improve the experience for everyone who uses your application.

The path to creating an accessible app might seem challenging at first, but the rewards are worth every step. When you prioritise accessibility, you're not just building a better app—you're contributing to a more inclusive digital world where everyone can participate equally.

We hope this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to make accessibility a fundamental part of your app development process. Remember, every small improvement in accessibility can make a significant difference in someone's life. Now, it's time to take what you've learned and put it into practice.