How do you implement accessible navigation and gestures for mobile users with limited mobility or dexterity?

1 Use clear and consistent labels

One of the first steps to ensure accessible navigation is to use clear and consistent labels for your buttons, tabs, menus, and icons. Labels should describe the function or destination of the element, and avoid ambiguous or generic terms. For example, use "Settings" instead of "More", or "Search" instead of a magnifying glass icon. Labels should also be visible and readable, using sufficient contrast, font size, and spacing.

2 Provide multiple ways to navigate

Some users may prefer or need different ways to navigate your app or website, depending on their device, preference, or ability. For example, some users may use voice commands, keyboard shortcuts, or external devices to control their navigation. You should provide multiple ways to navigate your content, such as a search function, a site map, a skip link, or a back button. You should also ensure that your navigation elements are responsive and compatible with different input methods and assistive technologies.

3 Simplify and prioritize gestures

Gestures are actions that users perform on the screen, such as tapping, swiping, pinching, or rotating. Gestures can enhance the user experience by providing intuitive and efficient ways to interact with the content. However, gestures can also pose difficulties for users with limited mobility or dexterity, who may struggle to perform them accurately, comfortably, or reliably. You should simplify and prioritize your gestures, using the most common and easy ones, such as tapping and swiping. You should also avoid requiring complex or simultaneous gestures, such as double-tapping, long-pressing, or multi-finger swiping. You should also provide feedback and confirmation for gestures, such as visual, auditory, or haptic cues.

4 Offer customization and flexibility

Another way to improve the accessibility of your navigation and gestures is to offer customization and flexibility for your users. This means allowing your users to adjust the settings and preferences of your app or website, such as the font size, color scheme, brightness, volume, or speed. This can help your users to tailor the user interface to their needs and preferences, and enhance their comfort and satisfaction. You should also provide options to undo, redo, pause, or cancel actions, in case your users make mistakes or change their minds.

5 Test and evaluate your design

The final step to ensure accessible navigation and gestures is to test and evaluate your design with real users. You should involve users with limited mobility or dexterity in your usability testing, and observe how they interact with your app or website. You should also ask for their feedback and suggestions, and identify any issues or difficulties they encounter. You should then use this information to improve your design and make it more accessible and user-friendly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?