Reaching New Heights: Maximizing User Engagement with Mobile App Accessibility
Welcome to the adrenaline-fueled, fast-paced world of mobile app development! If you’re an App Developer, Marketer, Hiring Manager, or someone who just casually flipped a pancake using your mobile phone because, well, you can, then this playful guide is for you!
Buckle Up, It’s Going To Be a Hilarious Ride
Remember the last time you tried to book a taxi via an app and ended up ordering a pizza instead because the buttons weren’t clear enough? Tragic, I know. I’m sure I’ve put on a couple of pounds just by misclicking buttons. But hey, who’s complaining? (My jeans, probably.)
Being Accessible is Being Incredible
Before we dive into the technical do’s and don’ts, let’s take a moment to appreciate the importance of mobile app accessibility. In simple terms, it’s about ensuring your app is easy for everyone to use. Making your app accessible is like setting out a welcome mat for a wider range of users. It says, ‘Yes, even you with your avant-garde artistic vision where neon green text flashes on a background of psychedelic patterns, we’ve got you covered!’
Actionable Strategies for Enhancing App Accessibility
So, how does one create an accessible app that your users can navigate with their eyes closed, if they want? (I don’t recommend trying, but you get the hyperbole.) Here is a sneak peek into some strategies that have worked for others and might just make your app the next big thing:
Create a Clear and Intuitive Design
If your app were a library, would users get lost in the ‘mystery’ section while hunting for fantasy novels? An intuitive design that guides users seamlessly through tasks is as satisfying as finally finding that Leprechaun’s gold at the end of a rainbow.
Color and Contrast
Contrasting colors make for not just a memorable 80’s fashion statement but an accessible app too. So, be a knight in shining armor, rescuing your users from an endless pit of ‘is-that-navy-blue-or-black?’ dilemma! Respect the coneflower pyramid (you know, the color vision one) to create an inclusive experience for everyone, including large green ogres.
Keyboard Accessible
With the right keys, your users should be able to unlock every nook and cranny of your app, even when their touch display goes for a holiday. Prioritize keyboard navigation, because who knows, the next Beethoven might be composing their symphony using just your app!
Test for Accessibility Regularly
Just like how you check your fly before a big presentation, run an accessibility test before your app meets the world! After all, an app without accessibility is like a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate chips.
Recruitment Matters
To climb the steep hill of app development, hire a team of seasoned climbers or “app experts”. Include people with diverse perspectives, elephant-like memory for details, and those with different abilities.
Marketing the Accessibility Feature
Don’t just whisper about your app’s accessibility in the corner, shout it from the rooftops! Make accessibility a key facet of your branding and publicity, so potential users know that your app follows the inclusive ‘everyone gets to play’ mantra.
When You Need a Skilled Stunt Double…
With all these tips brewing in your teacup, it’s time to switch on your developer mode and start brewing. However, if you ever find yourself stuck at the ‘how do orcs code?’ stage, fear not! The wizards at Overpass Apps are ready, wand-in-hand, to help you paddle your way through. They might not have the secret to everlasting life, but when it comes to app development, they’ve got the magic you need!
So, clutch your ideas, rally your team and let’s get started on making your app more accessible than ever before. After all, what’s stopping us from reaching new heights?