What accessible design covers
Accessibility is about designing so that a person's ability does not decide whether they can use your product. That includes people with visual, motor, hearing, and cognitive differences, and also situational cases like bright sunlight or a one-handed moment.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, WCAG, give a concrete standard to design against, commonly at the AA level. Meeting it is both the right thing to do and a way to reduce legal exposure under laws like the ADA, while reaching a wider audience.
- Color contrast that meets WCAG ratios for text and interface elements
- Full support for screen readers with proper labels and structure
- Keyboard and switch navigation, not mouse or touch only
- Touch targets large enough to hit reliably
- Text that scales when users increase their system font size
- Not relying on color alone to convey meaning or state
Building it in, not bolting it on
Accessibility is far cheaper and better when it is part of the design from the start rather than a retrofit after launch. Contrast, structure, and focus order are much easier to get right in the design phase than to patch across a finished build.
We design with these standards in mind and can review an existing app to find where it falls short. We aim for genuine usability, not just checkbox compliance, because passing an automated scan and being truly usable by a screen reader user are not the same thing.
- Accessibility considered from wireframes onward, not patched later
- An audit of an existing app against WCAG AA criteria
- Focus on real usability, not just passing automated checks
- Specs that tell developers how to implement labels and roles correctly
- Attention to platform accessibility features on iOS and Android
More on app ui/ux design
Frequently asked questions
Is my app legally required to be accessible?
We are not attorneys and cannot give a legal ruling on your situation, but accessibility lawsuits and ADA complaints against apps and websites are common, and WCAG AA is the widely referenced standard. Designing to it reduces risk and expands your reach. For a definitive legal answer, consult a lawyer.
Does accessible design mean an ugly or limited app?
No. Accessible design and good visual design are compatible. Sufficient contrast, clear structure, and reliable touch targets tend to make an app better for everyone, not just users with disabilities. Good design and accessibility usually pull in the same direction.
Can you make our existing app accessible?
Often yes. We can audit your current app against WCAG AA, identify the gaps, and prioritize the fixes by impact. Some issues are quick, others are structural. We will give you an honest picture of the effort involved rather than promise instant compliance.