In today's increasingly digital business landscape, software development services are pivotal. Yet one aspect that's sometimes overlooked - whether developing web applications, mobile apps or desktop software - is accessibility. The two types of tests each have different purposes for ensuring products are completed to specification. So, read on to discover why any software development company should incorporate both into their software development services.
As technology advances, it is essential that we continue to prioritise accessibility to ensure that everyone can fully engage with and benefit from these digital tools. Aside from the ethical reasons, other benefits are enhanced user satisfaction and a broader market reach for any software development company.
This article explores some key considerations, best practices, and practical strategies that software developers and designers can implement to ensure their applications are accessible to a diverse range of users.
What is Accessibility in Software Development?
Accessibility refers to designing applications and systems that are usable by everyone, including those with disabilities. This ensures equal access to digital content and software features for users with visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical impairments.
The Importance of Accessibility
Accessibility in software development is essential for a few more reasons:
- Promoting inclusivity: By prioritising accessibility, a company ensures that its software products can be used by all.
- Legal compliance: In the UK, accessibility is a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010, and non-compliance can lead to penalties and damage to the company's reputation.
- Enhancing user experience: Accessible software often provides a superior user experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. It is generally more intuitive and user-friendly.
- Expanding market reach: Accessible software opens up your potential customer base, catering to a broader audience.
How to Incorporate Accessibility into Your Software Development Services
Making software development more accessible involves several strategies, as outlined below.
Understanding User Needs
Understanding the needs and challenges of users with varying abilities is the first step towards creating accessible software. This could involve conducting user research or consulting with accessibility experts.
Adopting Standards and Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for making web content more accessible.
Regular Testing
Incorporating regular accessibility testing into your development process helps to identify and rectify any potential accessibility issues early on.
Training and Augmentation
Investing in accessibility training for your development team - or adding staff augmentation to your business processes - helps ensure that accessibility remains a priority throughout the development process.
Leveraging Accessible Technologies
Several technologies available today can assist in making software more accessible. For example, screen readers can convert digital text into spoken output, and hands-free mouse tracking can allow users with physical limitations to use software more easily.
The Role of Machine Learning and AI
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) play a significant role in enhancing software accessibility. Machine learning algorithms can learn user behaviour and customise the user experience accordingly, which is helpful due to the varied needs of users with disabilities.
AI chatbots, for example, can provide an accessible means of interacting with software. They can understand and respond to user commands, providing an alternative to traditional input methods.
Mobile Optimisation
Prioritising accessibility in mobile development is more important than ever in today's mobile-centric world. It involves ensuring accessibility on smaller screens and adapting to different input methods, such as touch. Mobile optimisation can significantly enhance accessibility for users who rely on mobile devices.
Low-Code Development Platforms
Accessibility can be more readily achieved with the use of low-code development platforms. These platforms offer a visual and intuitive approach to building applications, allowing developers to create software with less reliance on complex coding.
With drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, low-code platforms enable developers to implement accessibility features more efficiently. In fact, some platforms come equipped with built-in accessibility tools, such as screen reader compatibility and colour contrast analysis.
Low-code platforms are also built to adhere to accessibility standards - so, using these platforms ensures that the applications created are inherently more accessible.
Accessible Web Portal Development
Companies designing new digital products will find a growing market for accessible web portals. As a business, placing emphasis on accessibility can set you apart in a competitive market, while also providing an improved user experience for your users.
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance plays a vital role in the business operations of any generic or custom software development company. As software is being developed, dedicated QA processes and testing methodologies should be in place to evaluate the accessibility aspects of the application and identify any barriers.
The Future of Accessibility: Virtual and Augmented Reality
As technology continues to advance, we're seeing exciting new possibilities for enhancing accessibility. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), for instance, can offer new ways of interacting with software that can be more accessible for certain users. For example, AR can provide real-time visual and auditory cues to assist individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities in navigating and understanding their surroundings.
In Closing
Accessibility isn't a "nice-to-have" – it's a necessity. As we continue to innovate and grow in the digital world, we must ensure digital products and services are accessible to all, whether for web apps, desktop apps, or mobile app development.
Thanks to machine learning and AI technologies, like AI chatbots, we can create more adaptive and responsive software that provides alternative interaction methods. VR and AR may also have an essential role in the future of accessibility.
To discover more about our software development and digital consulting services, contact us today.
