Study: Only 20 percent of all apps are accessible
According to the Federal Statistical Office, more than 1.8 million people in Switzerland live with a disability. In order to be able to participate in social life, this population group is dependent on accessible technology, among other things. It is important that apps running on smartphones are usable and accessible for everyone. The "Access for all" foundation has tested this accessibility in the current accessibility study.
The "Swiss Accessibility Study 2023 - Mobile Apps" is the sixth edition of the highly regarded accessibility studies that the "Access for All" foundation has been publishing since 2004. It is the first broad-based survey in Switzerland on the accessibility of smartphone apps. The study investigated the user experience of people with disabilities or limitations when using a selection of popular apps in Switzerland. The focus was on apps that are relevant for coping with everyday life.
The result shows a spectrum from very good to very poor accessibility. 80% of the apps have barriers that exclude many users from this socially important ecosystem of communication, productivity and information. More than 60% of the apps are insufficiently accessible. Only one app, SBB Inclusive, achieved the maximum number of points and is therefore completely accessible.
Multiple barriers
If apps cannot be controlled using the keyboard, all people who cannot operate a touchscreen are at a disadvantage, for example due to motor disabilities such as quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, tremor or muscle tremors. Insufficient contrast of navigation or control elements makes it impossible or difficult for people with visual impairments to use them. If information is only available in the form of images, which is unfortunately often the case, blind people are at a disadvantage. Media content without text alternatives for spoken information results in information deficits for people with hearing impairments. Complex language and structure are a barrier for people with cognitive disabilities. And animated or choppy content makes it unnecessarily difficult for people with attention deficits, for example.
The wide range of barriers shows that many people, and therefore many potential customers, would benefit from accessible apps.
Measures are required
From the sobering results of the study, it can be concluded that the accessibility requirements for apps must be implemented across the board. Agencies, designer and developer teams must be provided with the relevant specialist knowledge and project managers must be made aware of the issue.
The accessibility situation must be made more visible to all stakeholders so that measures for improvement can be addressed in a more targeted manner. "Access for all" also recommends demanding good accessibility from private sector providers as part of the evaluation of the UN CRPD.
In addition, "Access for all" is working with network partners on a platform that can be used to directly involve the various stakeholders and make the accessibility aspects of a specific project more visible and traceable in real time.
Accessibility also brings advantages
With accessible apps, providers can reach people with disabilities and limitations and thus significantly increase their potential customer base. This is particularly important in view of changing demographics.
Measures to improve accessibility generally improve the usability of apps. In addition to the providers, the users of the apps benefit from an accessible app that is tailored to the needs of the customers without affecting economic interests.
Source: www.access-for-all.com
