Summary
As we shift into a mobile first world, are you struggling to conceptualize and design accessible mobile experiences? While screen readers are included on both IOS and Android, it can be difficult and overwhelming for designers to learn about them. This session will help you get started! Samuel Proulx, Fable’s accessibility evangelist and a life-long screen reader user, will guide you through the ins and outs of screen readers on mobile. This interactive live demo will show you what an excellent mobile experience can sound like, give you some ideas of things to keep in mind during design, and help you make the case for bringing the voices of assistive technology users into the training and testing at your organization.
Key Insights
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Screen readers are built into both Android and Apple devices and can be activated via voice commands.
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Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of mobile platforms is crucial for researchers and designers.
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Customizability and accessibility are key factors influencing the choice of mobile devices for blind users.
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VoiceOver on Apple is easy to use and well-documented, while Android offers more customization options but can be more complex.
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Involving native assistive technology users in the design process is essential for creating meaningful accessibility improvements.
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Accessibility settings should be adaptable to meet diverse user needs, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
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Proper training and understanding of screen readers enhance the overall user experience in mobile applications.
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The availability of third-party screen readers on Android allows for tailored experiences.
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Screen curtain feature on Apple devices provides privacy for users by turning off the screen display during operation.
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The typing experience varies among users, with many preferring Bluetooth keyboards or dictation for extensive text input.
Notable Quotes
"Today we're going to be talking about understanding screen readers on mobile."
"If you're an iOS user and have your phone to hand, I would encourage you to pick it up and follow along."
"Android has strengths; it's highly customizable and offers third-party screen readers."
"Apple's strength is that it is very easy to learn and use because it is well-documented."
"The experience you're having may help you test basic functionality, but nothing can replace research with actual native users."
"The point is accessibility is about offering customizability while ensuring ease of use."
"Disability is never one size fits all; balance customization and usability."
"A physical spatial understanding of touch screens has changed the experience for blind users."
"You need an assistive technology user involved as soon as possible to understand the actual experience."
"If you're interested in more demos, feel free to redeem the free offer."
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