Step-by-Step Guide to Provide Accessibility in Your Mobile App

As a business owner, keeping up with changing accessibility regulations for mobile apps can feel overwhelming. With new legal requirements emerging, it’s crucial to stay up to date on the latest standards and understand what they mean for your app.

Our detailed guide will help you understand the specifics of accessibility in mobile apps and provide practical steps to ensure your application meets accessibility requirements.

From this article, you will learn:

• What accessibility means in the perspective of designing and developing applications.
• How to implement accessibility in your existing mobile app.
• How to implement accessibility in your future mobile app.
• What legal regulations you need to consider when implementing accessibility in your application.
• What WCAG is.

Integrating accessibility into every stage of app development

In the first article of this series, we explained what accessibility means from various different perspectives – in a technical, legal or social context, as well as from the  perspective of the final result – what the user receives, and what is their experience. 

Read it here: What is mobile accessibility and why does it matter 

For users of an app, accessibility means that they can use the app, its functionalities, the services offered and achieve the desired goal, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive or technological abilities.

From the perspective of mobile app design and development, the issue of accessibility starts with the first step of app development and is present throughout the entire process – from UX research, UX/UI design, development and quality assurance. This is why it is so important, when thinking about the development of a mobile app, to take into account an inclusive approach to the user’s perspective and, on the other hand, the legal regulations we have in force, including those concerning accessibility.

From the perspective of the team implementing accessibility, it is crucial to integrate it into every aspect of application development. 

Research with users

Although UX research carried out prior to the start of work on an application is not (yet!) the industry standard when it comes to mobile app development, if you decide to carry it out, which we strongly recommend, different people with different needs should be considered at this stage.

UX/UI design

At the UX/UI design stage, it is most important to keep in mind that the application may be used by people with different needs and abilities than regular users, as well as with assisting technologies. This will enable you to apply solutions that will, later on, make working on accessibility within the app and implementing accessibility requirements more easier and more structured. For example, some of the most common solutions include:

• Ensuring adequate colour contrast between the text and the background.
• Adding alternative texts for visual elements such as graphics or icons.
• Ensuring that clickable elements and text are appropriately sized and positioned on screen.
• Providing intuitive navigation and interface simplicity.
• Ensuring the quality of the content to be included in the application in terms of using simple, clear, concrete and inclusive language.

Development

During the development phase, it is essential to implement the accessibility principles established during the design process, provide support for assistive technologies by using appropriate APIs (such as VoiceOver and TalkBack), and ensure support for various interaction methods (e.g., gestures and keyboard navigation). It is also important to make sure that the application adapts to different screen sizes and orientations.

Testing your application against accessibility guidelines may require a different approach than regular testing. This could involve specialized tools and resources, such as dedicated software or extra tester hours. Automated testing can assist in this process.

This approach should also be reflected in the project documentation, as certain legal regulations may impose additional formal requirements, such as creating an accessibility statement. Having documentation that transparently describes how accessibility is ensured in the mobile application will make it significantly easier to comply with these obligations.

Read also: How to Provide Accessibility in Your Native Android App

After release

After creating a mobile product, it’s important to ensure that users have the option to contact support for assistance, particularly for those relying on accessibility features who may need help. 

Additionally, certain legal regulations may impose formal obligations on app owners, such as reporting requirements. Thus, the implementation of accessibility doesn’t end here – it’s an ongoing process that ensures the application remains accessible to all users who want or need to use it. For you, as a business owner, this gives you confidence that you won’t lose customers simply because a button in your app is inaccessible to screen readers.

Choosing to implement accessibility only during development or at the end of the process will likely require revisiting already completed stages, re-examining the designs and application structure, and making necessary adjustments. In this context, it almost always results in significantly higher costs compared to systematically incorporating accessibility from the beginning and considering it during the design phase.

So, it’s definitely worth planning for accessibility from day one – it saves time, money, and a lot of headaches later!

I own a mobile app. I want to make it accessible. Where do I start?

So, you already have a mobile app and want to make it accessible? That’s fantastic! While the process we outlined earlier might seem complex or challenging, remember that it will be carried out by experienced professionals who are well-equipped to manage risks. If you’re looking for expert support, we at Droids On Roids are here to help – let’s talk!

To implement accessibility in your mobile app, here are the steps we recommend:

1. Legal analysis

The goal is to identify which accessibility regulations apply to your app, depending on the countries where it is available to users. In most cases, the mere fact that a user from a given country can download your app means that it must comply with the accessibility laws of that country.

A legal analysis will help you plan what specifically needs to be implemented in relation to the features your app offers. For example, does your app need to comply with ADA (U.S.), EAA (EU), or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (Canada)? This analysis ensures your app meets the required standards effectively.

• You may also like: 9 Key Accessibility Laws for Mobile Apps: What You Need to Know

2. Accessibility audit

The audit evaluates both technical and design aspects, such as your app’s compatibility with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers) and adherence to guidelines like WCAG. 

In some cases, the laws of a specific country may require accessibility for only part of your app, such as the e-commerce pathway. In such scenarios, you can decide whether to make the entire app accessible or focus only on legally required sections.

This step gives you a clear understanding of where your app stands and highlights areas that need improvement.

3. Cost estimation and decision

Based on the audit results, you’ll likely receive a preliminary cost estimate for the work needed. This allows you to understand the scope of the project and make an informed decision about how to proceed.

4. Let the magic begin

If you decide to move forward, accessibility improvements will be implemented step by step, ideally starting with adjusting designs and then making changes in the code. For simpler fixes, like increasing paddings or adjusting colors, new designs might not be necessary – although they could still help. However, in more complex cases where the current design doesn’t support accessibility (e.g., adding a text input option to complement a map-based selection), new designs will likely be essential.

While the changes might not be immediately noticeable, you can feel confident knowing your app is becoming more inclusive and meeting compliance standards, keeping you safe from potential penalties.

In addition to regulatory compliance, this step enhances user satisfaction, improves your app’s reputation, and will expand your audience to include users who rely on accessibility features.

Let’s sum up:

I’m planning to create a mobile app and want it to be accessible. Where do I start?

It’s fantastic that you’re considering accessibility for your mobile app right from the start. Well-planned accessibility not only enhances the user experience for everyone but also reduces implementation costs when addressed early in the development process. 

Here’s how to get started:

1. Legal analysis

As with existing apps looking to implement accessibility, it’s crucial to conduct a legal analysis to determine which regulations will apply to your app. This primarily depends on the countries where your app will be available.

Based on the laws in those regions, you’ll need to identify which features of your future app may fall under accessibility requirements. Some regulations may only apply to specific parts of your app, such as e-commerce flows or public-facing services.

In some cases, accessibility may not be legally mandatory for your app at all.

With this knowledge, you can estimate the costs of implementing accessibility in different scenarios and make the most informed decisions, balancing legal compliance, user experience, and your budget.

2. Design and development

If you outsource the creation of your app, it’s essential to ensure that your partner has the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the entire process and implement accessibility in your product. At this stage, these are the most important factors for you as a business owner:

• Allocate sufficient time and budget for activities like UX research or accessibility testing.
• Set clear priorities, especially if you aim to release a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) quickly. Accessibility should be a core requirement, even for MVPs, to avoid expensive retrofits later. However, it is likely that some of the specific requirements may be approached flexibly in the context of managing your budget and time.

3. Ongoing accessibility maintenance

Accessibility is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing effort that requires regular updates and maintenance. From a technical perspective, this means that, after  launching your app, some accessibility issues or opportunities for improvement may arise. As you introduce new features or updates, make sure they are consistent with the existing accessibility standards in your app.

From a legal perspective, check if the regulations applicable to your app require any ongoing actions, such as internal audits or providing users with additional documentation or information regarding accessibility.

Let’s sum up:

Wrap-up

Making your app accessible isn’t just about meeting legal obligations – it’s about creating an inclusive product that benefits all users. Whether you’re upgrading an existing app or building one from scratch, the process includes understanding legal requirements, conducting audits, and implementing thoughtful design and development practices. 

By prioritizing accessibility from the start, you can save time, reduce costs, and ensure your app reaches a wider audience.

At Droids On Roids, we specialize in creating mobile apps with accessibility in mind. Whether you’re planning your app from scratch or need guidance throughout the process, we’re here to help. Let’s talk and make your app accessible for all.

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