Mobile Accessibility Testing: A Complete Guide

What is essential when it comes to creating a mobile app or site? Of course, the idea behind the product. However, it will also be a success when your targeted customers can use the app, or the user experience is good enough. Letting mobile applications be accessible to everybody, including users with disabilities, is very important. This not оnly fulfills recent legislation but also gives a competitive advantage.

In mobile application testing, accessibility to all users, including users with disabilities, should be guaranteed. Based on the World Health Organization report, more than one billion people globally—about 15% of the world population—live with some sort of disability, which is likеly to almost double by 2050, underlining the growth in demand for accessible designs in testing within mobile apps. This is going to ensure that apps are all-inclusive and usable by any person irrespective of his physical or cognitive abilities.    

This article explores the bаsic principles of mobile accessibility and provides practical tips and tools for testing the accessibility of Android and iOS apps.  

Why Mobile App Accessibility Testing Is Important 

Mobile app accessibility testing ensures that applications are accessible and usable by everyone. Here are key reasons for its importance:  

• Compliance Requirements: Many nations and governments have made accessibility testing mandatory for enterprises as part of compliance efforts. Complying with these requirements is essential to prevent legal consequences.  
• Functional Excellence: A mobile app must pass numerous tests to function well and deliver an excellent user experience. Accessibility testing ensures the app is designed to accommodate users with diverse abilities.  
• Inclusive Development: Accessibility testing for mobile apps should be considered during the development phase to ensure that the application or website is inclusive. Proactively addressing accessibility concerns contributes to a more universally usable product.  
• Social Responsibility: Accessibility testing for mobile apps is becoming increasingly crucial in various circumstances, driven by inclusion and social responsibility principles. Prioritizing accessibility is about meeting legal requirements and doing the right thing for all users.  

Mobile accessibility testing is integral for creating inclusive, functional, and legally compliant applications. Prioritizing accessibility benefits users with restrictions and contributes to a better user experience for everyone, aligning with ethical and social responsibility considerations. Feel free to contact us for insights and support in achieving these goals. Our team's extensive expertise can help ensure your application meets the highest accessibility standards.  

Common Mobile Accessibility Issues 

Ensuring mobile app and website accessibility is crucial to providing an inclusive user experience. However, certain practices can hinder accessibility for users with disabilities. Here are some common issues to avoid during the design and implementation phases:  

• Unspoken Form Validation Error Messages: Error messages should be accessible to screen readers, allowing blind users to understand and correct form submission errors.  
• Unspoken Success and Announcement Messages: Success messages need proper accessibility announcement methods (e.g., WAI-ARIA) for screen readers to convey them effectively.  
• Placeholders Used Without a <label>: Placeholder text inside form fields may affect cognitive accessibility and usability. Using <label> elements is recommended for better accessibility.  
• Modal Dialogs Focus Issues: Modal dialogs should appropriately grab the screen reader's focus, and keyboard and screen reader focus should be restricted within the modal content.  
• Missing Mobile Keyboard Usability Enhancements for Input Types: Mobile phones can display a different touchscreen keyboard depending on the data types the user is typing on their device.    

Individual and community developers can help mitigate these challenges by bridging the gap with accessible designs. These designs help create more inclusive digital environments that reach users of all abilities. Our team has helped clients identify and resolve some of these common issues to ensure their apps satisfy the highest accessibility standards. (Check out our article on how to do accessibility testing for more insights on ensuring your mobile app is accessible to all users).

The Checklist to Follow During Mobile Accessibility Testing 

Touch Targets and Placement 

The improved resolution of mobile devices has allowed many interactive elements to be displayed on a small screen. However, these elements should be large enough and spaced far enough apart so that the user can reach them with a touch without having to stretch. When users need to use quick gestures on their mobile devices, the tap targets within an app should be large enough to interact confidently and accurately.   

Developers need to consider the placement of interactive elements in mobile apps. The location of buttons and touch targets should be easily accessible regardless of how the device is held. This means considering factors such as whether the user is left- or right-handed and the range of motion of their thumb. (For a better understanding of user experience, read our article on mobile app usability testing to learn how to make your app user-friendly and intuitive). 

To make mobile apps user-friendly, here are a few ideas for touch target placement:  

- Place buttons in a convenient location.  

- Ensure that all interactive components are flexible and easy to use. 

Color Choice and Color Contrast 

Check the foreground-to-background color contrast ratio to ensure it is at least 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text and icons. You can use tools like Color Contrast Analyzer for iOS or Accessibility Inspector and Accessibility Scanner by Google for Android to verify the ratio. A low color contrast ratio can make the material difficult to read. Avoid combinations like red and green when selecting colors, as they may cause difficulties for those with color blindness. There should be no flashing lights or overly bright colors. 

Different Designs for Different Screen Sizes 

Mobile devices have smaller screens and unique aspect ratios, which makes it essential for designers to consider these factors when creating native apps. Due to the limited amount of information that can be viewed on a tiny screen, users may need to zoom in on content, especially those with eyesight problems. To address this issue, the following ideas can be implemented:  

- Provide touch controls and preset screen sizes for content to reduce the need for low-vision users to zoom in and out.  

- Place the form field behind the labels instead of next to them.  

- Reduce the amount of data on each page by offering a mobile website specifically designed for mobile devices or intentionally constructing the website for mobile viewing.  

- Change the link text length based on the device's viewport width.  

Consistent Navigation and Layouts  

Consistency in content, layout, and navigation is crucial for a good user experience. Users with weaker motor skills may need help using a mouse or keyboard and prefer mobile apps to web browsers. Mobile apps with assisted navigation can benefit all users by guiding them from one option to the next.  

Simple Data Entry Methods 

Mobile devices and native applications offer multi-modal data entry, which enables users to input data using different methods such as speech, a wireless keyboard, and an on-screen keyboard. Replacing text entries with these methods can save time and be easier for some users. To enhance the user experience and prevent errors, it is recommended to integrate select menus, radio buttons, and checkboxes or use auto-fill functionality for information like date, time, and location. Offering alternatives to typing, such as data exchange between apps and dictation, can also save time and improve the overall app experience.  

How to Ensure Your Mobile Applications Are Accessible 

First is assessing your mobile applications for mobile accessibility. Ensure your app supports the device's operating system features, such as larger text and screen readers. The most effective way to ensure accessibility is to test early and often in your development cycle. For existing products, accessibility testing is crucial to assess usability for everyone. Testing on mobile accessibility should always be conducted in an automated form with software and manually. These tests include: 

• Screen reader testing: A screen reader is the software used by blind users. One powerful way that a developer or designer can test for any type of barrier or problem in a mobile site, which might prevent a user from accessing and navigating content, is to watch how the screen reader software will interact with a mobile site. 
• Mobile accessibility checker or scanner: It evaluates a sample of your website pages—including mobile pages—for accessibility issues. This sample shows you what to fix on the selected pages and likely where you'll have problems on other pages. 
• Color contrast tests: Color contrast testing tools are used to determine the legibility and contrast of visual elements in websites and mobile apps, such as text and graphical controls.  
• Usability testing: It allows for assessing the overall user experience, ease of task completion, and determining what problems the users are experiencing that design can resolve. 

What to use: Mobile App Accessibility Testing Tools 

Various tools are available to check mobile accessibility on Android / iOS platforms. Our team has successfully used these tools to pinpoint accessibility issues, leading to actionable improvements across multiple projects. Here are a few options:  

IOS / Android 

1. Accessibility Inspector: This tool will provide a view of all the possible actions that can be done by selecting and performing actions on the elements on the screen.  
2. VoiceOver is a native iOS screen reader that gives spoken descriptions of the content displayed on the screen. Users can even navigate through apps using gestures and voice commands.  
3. A11yTools: A suite of web accessibility testing tools that includes an extension built by Paul J Adams. Some of the features include a mobile scanner for Android and iOS devices, contrast color scanner, font size scanner, and more.    
4. Axe DevTools Mobile is a mobile version of Deque's enormously popular Axe accessibility testing tool. It is available free of cost as an app on Android and iOS platforms and provides detailed reports on accessibility issues within mobile apps.  
5. Color Contrast Analyzer: This free application tests color contrast between elements in your mobile app or website. It's available for both Android and iOS.  
6. TalkBack is an integrated screen reader for Android that generally provides the same level of access as VoiceOver. It comes out of the box in the Android Accessibility Suite.  
7. Accessibility Scanner is a free Android app from Google that tests other apps on your Android device for accessibility. It provides recommendations for enhancing accessibility and links to settings relevant to accessibility.  
8. Android Accessibility Suite: This suite of accessibility services helps people use Android devices that are eyes-free or with a switch device.  
9. Abra Cloud is an accessibility testing tool available for both iOS and Android platforms. It provides insight into and suggestions for improving mobile application accessibility.   

Investing time and money upfront in accessibility is much more cost-effective than fixing accessibility problems after launching the application. An app with good accessibility will be exposed to a larger audience than one with poor accessibility. To grasp the comprehensive testing process, explore our article on how to test mobile app, which covers essential techniques and best practices.

Benefits of Accessible Apps for Diverse Users 

Accessibility testing on mobile apps needs to be done when technology advances to bridge the gap and empower people with different abilities. For example, underneath the mobile application, device-built features like VoiceOver or TalkBack should be used to make this application accessible to people with vision impairment.  

The following are some of the features that should be included in mobile applications, which should further ensure that they create an inclusive digital environment. Font size adjustment and color contrast adjustment are significant aspects that make such applications usable for those who have hearing difficulties or other cognitive disabilities.   

Following is the host of advantages that, as a user, one can draw from an accessibility test conducted on mobile devices:  

• Inclusive User Experience: An accessible application ensures that people with disabilities can participate in all kinds of activities and, therefore, achieve equality in opportunities developed for all users.   
• Easy to Use: Accessible applications contain many user-friendly features that facilitate the navigation and interaction process for all people, regardless of their capability or disability.  
• Legal Requirements Compline: There are many benefits of making an accessible app: a smoother user experience, less friction, extended reach to more markets, the law, and a positive brand image it. For example, if we are talking about the apps' accessibility, people with visual impairments can use them, thus increasing your market reach.  
• Improved Retention: If applications are accessible, more users will stay with them, thus improving customer retention and satisfaction.   
• Competitive Advantage: Since technology has advanced, one of the most significant factors that differentiates now in the digital world is accessibility. Giving businesses the development of accessible applications can result in a competitive advantage by making them attractive to those users who regard and value accessibility and inclusiveness.  
• Social Impact: Accessibility testing on mobile devices contributes to a more inclusive society, empowering individuals with disabilities to engage fully in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.  

If you need assistance with making your mobile applications more accessible, contact us today. You can also familiarize yourself with our mobile application testing services to see how we can help enhance the quality and performance of your mobile app.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Mobile App Accessibility Testing 

• Diverse Tool Usage: For a more comprehensive evaluation of accessibility, work with a combination of tools rather than relying on one tool.  
• Tool Selection Based on Requirements: Choose testing tools based on the mobile application's specific requirements, ensuring a tailored approach to accessibility testing.  
• Native and Built-in Tools: Prioritize the mobile platform's native and built-in accessibility tools to maximize their compatibility and efficiency.  
• Consideration for Third-Party Tools: While emphasizing native tools, don't dismiss third-party tools entirely; in some cases, they may offer features that complement or surpass native options.  
• Utilize Multiple Techniques: Employ techniques such as screen readers, voice-to-text, voice-enabled searches, screen magnifiers, screen brightness adjustments, and color ratio analysis.  
• Benchmark Verification: Ensure compliance by checking against established benchmarks for accessibility guidelines and standards, including WCAG 2.1 and Section 508. 
• Test for Various Disabilities: Consider the wide array of requirements from different users with several disabilities and design the application to satisfy this broad range of accessibility needs. 
• Update Testing Protocols Regularly: Stay updated with the latest accessibility testing techniques, tools, and guidelines to ensure continuous improvement in the testing process.  
• Document and Share Findings: Document testing procedures, results, and any identified accessibility issues. Share this information with the development team for effective remediation.  
• Test Across Different Platforms: Ensure the application is tested across various mobile platforms (iOS, Android) to address platform-specific accessibility considerations.  
• Collaborate with Accessibility Experts: Engage with accessibility mobile testing experts or consultants to enhance the testing process and gain valuable guidance on making the application more accessible.  

By adopting a diverse and thorough approach to mobile accessibility testing, developers can ensure that their applications provide an inclusive user experience for individuals of all abilities. We regularly train our teams to ensure they are knowledgeable about best practices in accessibility. 

Steps for Mobile Application Accessibility Testing 

Ensuring a mobile-accessible site involves a systematic approach. Follow these steps to stay on track: 

Step One: Define Critical Functionality 

• Identify the critical functionality of your mobile site or application before testing. 
• Specify the devices you'll test on (Apple, Samsung, etc.) and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari). 
• Clearly outline what and where you'll be testing. 

Step Two: Identify Site Type and Variations 

• Recognize variations, such as zoom levels, to understand the different types of pages you'll be testing. 

Step Three: Conduct Specific Mobile Tests 

• Focus on four main categories of testing: 

1. Critical Issues: Address major issues affecting overall functionality. 
2. Mobile-Specific Issues: Identify issues specific to the mobile environment. 
3. Mobile Assistive Technology and Feature Support: Evaluate compatibility with mobile assistive technologies. 
4. Mobile and Desktop Relationship Issues: Examine interactions between mobile and desktop versions. 

Considerations: 

• Test across the full scope of mobile interfaces, including mobile and tablet devices, devices with assistive technology, and responsively sized windows for desktops. 
• Recognize that each interface presents unique challenges, and tailor testing criteria accordingly. 

Following these steps, you can systematically address critical aspects of mobile accessibility, ensuring a more inclusive experience across various devices and platforms. 

Conclusion 

Ensuring mobile accessibility is a legal requirement and a competent business practice. Following the principles and tips outlined in this guide, you can make your mobile apps accessible to a broader audience, improve user satisfaction, and enhance your brand's reputation. Regular accessibility testing, both automated and manual, is crucial to maintaining an inclusive and user-friendly mobile app. Start integrating these practices today to create a more accessible digital world. If you require any clarification or additional support regarding mobile accessibility, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are available to assist you in developing mobile experiences that are accessible and inclusive.