Implementing and Testing Mobile App Accessibility
Understanding accessibility principles is only the beginning. To create a truly accessible mobile app, those principles need to be translated into practical design and development decisions, then tested with real users and assistive technologies. Accessibility should be considered throughout development rather than treated as a final checklist before launch.
Technical Implementation Checklist
Different platforms provide built-in accessibility features that developers can use to make mobile applications more inclusive.
iOS Accessibility
For iOS applications, consider:
Supporting VoiceOver with accurate labels
Supporting Dynamic Type for text scaling
Using built-in UIKit components where possible
Testing with Accessibility Inspector in Xcode
Supporting display accommodations such as Smart Invert
Using platform-native accessibility features can provide a strong foundation while reducing unnecessary custom implementation.
Android Accessibility
For Android applications, consider:
Supporting TalkBack with appropriate content descriptions
Using scalable text through sp units
Supporting Android accessibility services
Testing with Accessibility Scanner
Implementing effective focus-based navigation
Cross-Platform Considerations
Regardless of platform, make sure your app has:
A logical semantic structure
Correct keyboard and focus order
Descriptive labels for interactive elements
Accessible implementations for custom controls
Support across different screen sizes and orientations
Accessibility should also be considered during the Prototype phase, allowing issues to be identified and refined before development is complete.
Test Your App for Accessibility
Accessibility cannot be validated through automated tools alone. A strong testing process combines automated checks, manual testing, and testing with people with disabilities.
Automated Testing
Automated tools can help identify common accessibility problems early.
Consider:
Platform accessibility checkers
Automated UI tests with accessibility assertions
Colour contrast analysis
Text scaling checks
Accessibility linting tools
These checks are useful for finding technical issues consistently throughout development.
Manual Testing
Manual testing provides a different level of understanding.
Test your application with:
Screen readers such as VoiceOver and TalkBack
Keyboard or switch control navigation
Different font sizes and display settings
High-contrast or colour-inversion settings
Different focus states
Also check whether form errors are clearly communicated and announced to users.
Test with Real Users
Tools and checklists cannot fully replicate how people experience an application. Where possible, conduct accessibility testing with users who have different disabilities and assistive technology needs.
This can include:
Real-world task scenarios
Accessibility consultants
Users with different disabilities
Observation of how users complete tasks
Documentation of accessibility issues
Prioritisation and resolution of problems
User testing can reveal problems that technical checks may miss, particularly when an interface technically meets a requirement but remains difficult to use.
Build Accessibility into the Development Process
Accessibility works best when testing happens throughout development, rather than immediately before launch.
A practical approach is:
Design → Prototype → Implement → Test → Refine
Test accessibility during each stage and use the results to improve the experience.
This reduces the risk of discovering major accessibility problems late in development and makes accessibility part of the product development process rather than a final compliance exercise.
Key Takeaway
Implementing mobile accessibility requires more than adding accessibility features at the end of development.
Use platform-specific accessibility capabilities, test across different devices and interaction methods, and involve people with disabilities in the testing process. Most importantly, treat accessibility testing as an ongoing part of design and development.
What's Next?
An accessible app should not become less accessible as it evolves. New features, design changes, and software updates can introduce new barriers if accessibility is not continuously maintained. Next Maintaining Accessibility and Creating Business Value explores how organisations can build accessibility into governance and continuous improvement while understanding its wider business and innovation benefits.
Last Words
I will be adding more articles on Design Thinking, Strategy and Innovation throughout the year. Articles of these 5 Step Action Plan and Modern Soft Skills will be added periodically to give my readers a broader insights to how to crush complex problems, overcome future challenges and spot AI opportunities.
Check out more articles via my blog: https://www.emerge-creatives.com/blog-1
Follow me on social media:
Instagram- @designthinkersgroupdtv: https://www.instagram.com/designthinkersgroupdtv?igsh=ajg2NGplbXJ1cWU4&utm_source=qr
About the Author
Daniel Ling is a regional ex-Design Leader turned educator, and business owner of Emerge Creatives, an registered SSG training provider (RTP) to deliver modern soft skills to professionals through Design Thinking, Business Strategy, and AI Innovation.
With over 15 years of experience in the financial and e-commerce tech industries- including key leadership roles at Lazada, NTUC Income, OCBC, and DBS- Daniel has led cross-regional design teams, built design functions from the ground up, and spearheaded large-scale transformation initiatives. But beyond industry success,
Daniel has reinvented himself as a “designer in a business suit”- equally fluent in creative strategy and commercial impact.
How to sign up for his WSQ Certification Courses
Advanced AI Design Thinking:
Entrepreneurship Business Strategy:
AI Business Innovation:
Where to get Complete Design Thinking Guide for Successful Professionals
Download PDF Digital Copy here: https://payhip.com/b/hM4U
Purchase from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514202735
Download eBook from Apple Store here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/complete-design-thinking-guide/id1022432207?ls=1&mt=11
Comments