What are the most common user testing tools for mobile app accessibility?

1 Screen readers

Screen readers are software applications that read out loud the content and elements of a screen, such as text, images, buttons, menus, and links. Screen readers are used by people who are blind or have low vision, or who prefer auditory feedback. Some of the most popular screen readers for mobile devices are VoiceOver (iOS), TalkBack (Android), and Narrator (Windows). To test your app with screen readers, you need to enable them on your device settings, and then use them to navigate and interact with your app. You should pay attention to how the screen reader announces the app name, the screen title, the labels and roles of the elements, the order and focus of the navigation, the feedback and instructions, and the errors and alerts.

2 Color contrast checkers

Color contrast checkers are tools that measure the difference in brightness and color between the foreground and background of your app. Color contrast is important for readability and visibility, especially for people who have color vision deficiencies or low vision. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Some of the most common color contrast checkers for mobile apps are Contrast (iOS), Color Contrast Analyzer (Android), and Accessibility Insights (Windows). To test your app with color contrast checkers, you need to take screenshots of your app screens, and then use the tools to analyze the contrast of the text and other elements. You should aim to meet or exceed the WCAG standards, and avoid using colors that are too similar or too bright.

3 Touch target testers

Touch target testers are tools that measure the size and spacing of the touchable elements of your app, such as buttons, icons, links, and inputs. Touch target size and spacing are important for usability and accessibility, especially for people who have motor impairments or use assistive devices. The WCAG recommend a minimum touch target size of 44x44 pixels, and a minimum spacing of 8 pixels between touch targets. Some of the most common touch target testers for mobile apps are Touch Target Size (iOS), Touch Test (Android), and XAML Controls Gallery (Windows). To test your app with touch target testers, you need to install the tools on your device, and then use them to overlay your app screens with grids or indicators that show the touch target size and spacing. You should aim to meet or exceed the WCAG standards, and avoid using touch targets that are too small or too close.

4 Voice input testers

Voice input testers are tools that allow you to use your voice to control your app, instead of tapping or swiping. Voice input is useful for accessibility, as it can provide an alternative or complementary way of interacting with your app, especially for people who have vision, hearing, or motor impairments. Some of the most common voice input testers for mobile apps are Siri (iOS), Google Assistant (Android), and Cortana (Windows). To test your app with voice input testers, you need to enable them on your device settings, and then use them to launch, navigate, and perform actions on your app. You should pay attention to how the voice input testers recognize and respond to your commands, how they handle errors and interruptions, and how they provide feedback and confirmation.

5 User feedback tools

User feedback tools are tools that allow you to collect and analyze feedback from real users who test your app, either remotely or in person. User feedback is valuable for accessibility, as it can provide insights and suggestions on how to improve your app for different user needs and preferences. Some of the most common user feedback tools for mobile apps are UserTesting, UserZoom, and Userlytics. To test your app with user feedback tools, you need to create a test plan that defines your goals, tasks, questions, and metrics, and then recruit and invite users who match your target audience and accessibility criteria. You should then monitor and review the feedback, such as video recordings, audio comments, ratings, and surveys, and use them to identify and prioritize accessibility issues and opportunities.

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?