By Mauricio Antúnez
Mobile device usage is at its peak, but many designers and developers have questions about how to make native mobile applications accessible for people with disabilities. While there are guidelines in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) on mobile accessibility, and guidance from Apple and Google for making iOS and Android apps accessible, the detailed guides can be overwhelming for those new to mobile accessibility.
Assistive Technology and Mobile Devices
Respondents from Fable’s mobile accessibility survey include users of three categories of assistive technology: screen readers (47%), screen magnification (25%), and alternative navigation (28%).
Types of Mobile Devices Used
More than half of respondents (52%) own both a smartphone and a tablet. The rest are primarily smartphone owners (46%), and a small percentage (2%) only owns a tablet.
Mobile Usage Frequency
Members of the Fable community use their mobile devices frequently. Many are on their mobile devices for more than 4 hours per day (41%), and another 23% spend approximately 2 to 4 hours per day on mobile devices.
Main Mobile Tasks
Mobile devices are multifunctional for people. Text messaging tops the list, followed by other modes of communication like email and phone calls. Financial management through banking apps and connecting through social media are also popular.
Most Common Mobile Accessibility Barriers
Assistive technology users were asked to choose the three barriers that cause them the most challenges on mobile devices. The most mentioned accessibility barriers involve buttons and links. The most frequent responses were:
- Unlabeled buttons or links – 60%
- Small buttons or links – 35%
- Required gestures to interact – 35%
Unlabeled Buttons or Links
Unlabeled buttons and links top the list of challenges, with 60% of respondents including them in their top three. Screen reader users are more affected than other types of assistive technology users by unlabeled elements.
Small Buttons or Links
Buttons and links that are too small to tap with a finger or require great precision to select are a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. Small buttons and links are also difficult to read for anyone with low vision.
Gestural Interactions
Gestures like swipe to delete, tap and drag, and anything more complex than a simple tap can cause problems for many users. Gestures can be difficult to discover, and if you’re not an advanced mobile user, you may never discover them.
Conclusion
81% of respondents believe that accessibility barriers have a significant impact on their ability to enjoy their mobile devices. Mobile accessibility is a critical aspect of the digital landscape, and the insights shared in this article highlight the importance of prioritizing it in design and development. Accessibility not only benefits people with disabilities but also facilitates access to products and services on mobile devices for older adults and anyone with temporary limitations. Companies that ensure all users can benefit from mobile access can gain the respect and loyalty of this large customer segment. Additionally, they will contribute to making the digital world a more inclusive and equitable place for everyone.
Original article published at https://makeitfable.com/insights/insights-mobile-accessibility/ (in English)