Accessibility – web and mobile applications for everyone
Accessible design is the key to inclusion and quality. We consider the WCGA 2.2 standards and develop in accordance with the European Accessibility Act 2025.
Our service for accessible apps
Accessibility is an essential aspect of app development, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities or limitations, can enjoy an excellent user experience. In the modern, digitally-driven world, accessibility is more important than ever as it demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and ensures that your app reaches the widest possible audience.
Our services at a glance:
- Assessment of the current status and the need for action
- Checking the accessibility of your existing app or website, including all download files, videos and audio files
- Analysis of your style guide with regard to accessibility
- Creation of a report with the test results and specific recommendations
- Support with the implementation of optimization measures
- Development of guidelines
- Support with the training of your employees and editors
Accessibility Reinforcement Act 2025
From June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Reinforcement Act will come into force, which is intended to promote the equal and non-discriminatory participation of people with disabilities, disabilities and older people.
The law will then stipulate that apps and websites that offer services such as e-commerce, travel services or visual media from companies with a turnover of more than 2 million euros and more than 10 employees must be accessible at WCAG level AA.
At Hybrid Heroes, we have always considered accessibility as part of our UX/UI design process. We follow the WCAG guidelines and aim for AA level for every application, which will be mandatory from 2025.
With our experience in designing and developing accessible products, we can help you ensure that your service meets accessibility standards.
What makes a mobile app or web app accessible according to WCAG?
Perceptibility
Text alternative
Provision of a text alternative for all non-text content.
Media
Provision of subtitles and alternatives to video/audio content.
Adaptable
Presenting content in a meaningful order and using more than one sense of instruction.
Distinguishable
Audio and animations should not be played automatically. Texts and icons have sufficient color contrast and can be enlarged up to 200%.
Usability
Keyboard accessibility
Web apps should be able to be operated with keyboard shortcuts and not lead users down a dead end.
Sufficient time
Provide usage control for time-limited content.
Securing
No content flashes more than 3 times per second.
Navigable
Possibility to skip content and support of logical navigation and sequence.
Comprehensibility and stability
Readable
Specification of the language of individual pages.
Predictable
Elements should not change when they receive focus or settings.
Support with input
Clearly recognize input errors or label elements and give instructions.
Compatible
In order to meet the success criteria, only technologies that are barrier-free are used.
FAQ - Accessible app development and design
If you still have questions, you will find the most important answers summarized here.
What is accessibility in app development?
Accessibility in app development means designing digital content and functions in such a way that they are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. This includes taking into account visual, auditory, motor and cognitive limitations to ensure equal use of the app.
Why is accessibility important?
Accessibility is important to enable all people, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, to access information and services. It is not only an ethical obligation, but can also be a legal requirement. In addition, accessible design expands the potential user base and improves the overall experience for all users.
What are the guidelines for accessible design?
The most important guidelines for accessible design are summarized in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the design of accessible content. They are divided into three conformance levels: A, AA and AAA, with AA being the recommended level for most applications.
What are some basic principles of accessible design?
Some basic principles of accessible design are
- Perceptibility: Content and controls should be accessible to all senses.
- Usability: Navigation and interaction with the app should be simple and intuitive.
- Comprehensibility: The information and design should be clear and easy to understand.
- Robustness: Content should work reliably on a variety of devices and technologies, including assistive technologies.
Wie können Farben und Kontraste barrierefrei gestaltet werden?
Für ein barrierefreies Design sollten ausreichende Kontrastverhältnisse zwischen Text und Hintergrund sichergestellt werden. WCAG empfiehlt ein Mindestkontrastverhältnis von 4,5:1 für normalen Text und 3:1 für großen Text. Farben sollten nicht die einzige Methode zur Informationsvermittlung sein, da Personen mit Farbsehschwächen Schwierigkeiten haben können, diese zu unterscheiden.
Which tools can help to test the accessibility of an app?
There are various tools for testing accessibility, including
- Screen reader: to test operation through speech playback, e.g. VoiceOver (iOS), TalkBack (Android).
- Contrast checker: To check the contrast ratios, e.g. WebAIM Contrast Checker.
- Automated test tools: Tools such as WAVE or Lighthouse can help to automatically identify potential barriers.
What are common barriers in apps and how can they be avoided?
Common barriers include inadequate labels for controls, lack of keyboard navigation, insufficient color contrast and complex navigation structures. These can be avoided by integrating accessibility practices into the development process from the start, conducting regular testing and gathering feedback from users with disabilities.
How can you ensure that an app is accessible for people with visual impairments?
To make an app accessible for people with visual impairments, developers should:
- Provide text alternatives for images and graphical content.
- Use a consistent and understandable structure and clear labeling.
- Ensure that the app is fully compatible with screen readers.
- Provide visual information with auditory or haptic feedback.
What should be considered when designing user interfaces for people with motor impairments?
When designing user interfaces for people with motor impairments, larger, easy-to-hit interaction elements (buttons, links) should be used. Alternative navigation without a mouse, e.g. using the keyboard, should also be possible. Time limits for inputs should be avoided or be customizable.
How can you ensure that an app is accessible for people with hearing impairments?
For people with hearing impairments, alternative forms of presentation of audio content should be provided, such as subtitles for videos and visual or textual cues for acoustic signals. Care should also be taken to ensure that important information is not conveyed exclusively through audio.
Is accessibility required by law?
Yes, many countries have laws and regulations that require accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US, the EU Directive on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies (BFSG), and the Disability Equality Act (BGG) in Germany. These laws require digital content and services to be made accessible.
How do you integrate accessibility into the development process?
Accessibility should be part of the development process from the outset. This includes:
- Training the team on accessibility.
- Involving users with disabilities in the testing process.
- Continuously reviewing and adapting the app for accessibility.
- The use of tools and technologies that support the implementation and testing of accessibility.
We look forward to your project!
Would you like to open up new digital worlds with your company or organization? Send us a message or give us a call! We will get back to you within a few hours.