The Importance of Accessibility in Indie Apps
#accessibility#ui#best-practices
# The Importance of Accessibility in Indie Apps
## Why Accessibility Matters
As indie developers, we might think "I'll add accessibility later." But:
1. **15% of users** have some form of disability
2. **Everyone benefits** from good accessibility (elderly users, temporary injuries, bright sunlight)
3. **It's the right thing to do**
## What I'm Implementing
### VoiceOver Support
```swift
Button("Start Timer") { }
.accessibilityLabel("Start 25 minute focus session")
.accessibilityHint("Starts the Pomodoro timer")
```
Every interactive element has proper labels and hints.
### Dynamic Type
All text scales with user preferences:
```swift
Text("FocusFlow")
.font(.title)
.dynamicTypeSize(.large)
```
### Color Contrast
Using SF Symbols and ensuring 4.5:1 contrast ratio minimum. Testing with Xcode's accessibility inspector.
### Keyboard Navigation
Full keyboard support for iPad users and those using assistive switches.
## Testing Checklist
- [ ] VoiceOver can navigate all screens
- [ ] All buttons have accessibility labels
- [ ] Color contrast meets WCAG AA
- [ ] Dynamic Type doesn't break layouts
- [ ] Reduce Motion is respected
## Resources
- [Apple's Accessibility Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/)
- [WCAG 2.1 Standards](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/)
Building accessible apps isn't extra work—it's part of building great apps.
## Why Accessibility Matters
As indie developers, we might think "I'll add accessibility later." But:
1. **15% of users** have some form of disability
2. **Everyone benefits** from good accessibility (elderly users, temporary injuries, bright sunlight)
3. **It's the right thing to do**
## What I'm Implementing
### VoiceOver Support
```swift
Button("Start Timer") { }
.accessibilityLabel("Start 25 minute focus session")
.accessibilityHint("Starts the Pomodoro timer")
```
Every interactive element has proper labels and hints.
### Dynamic Type
All text scales with user preferences:
```swift
Text("FocusFlow")
.font(.title)
.dynamicTypeSize(.large)
```
### Color Contrast
Using SF Symbols and ensuring 4.5:1 contrast ratio minimum. Testing with Xcode's accessibility inspector.
### Keyboard Navigation
Full keyboard support for iPad users and those using assistive switches.
## Testing Checklist
- [ ] VoiceOver can navigate all screens
- [ ] All buttons have accessibility labels
- [ ] Color contrast meets WCAG AA
- [ ] Dynamic Type doesn't break layouts
- [ ] Reduce Motion is respected
## Resources
- [Apple's Accessibility Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/)
- [WCAG 2.1 Standards](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/)
Building accessible apps isn't extra work—it's part of building great apps.