Making an accessibility information the place you’ll be able to take a look at the options whilst you be taught
If you’re right here, I imagine you have an interest in studying extra in regards to the universe of iOS accessibility. Possibly you are fascinated by implementing them to have a extra accessible app or in understanding higher how an accessibility choice behaves in iOS when enabled.
However I all the time discovered it was a bit of tough to search out all this stuff. That you must know what you’re in search of beforehand so you’ll find this content material. And easily studying about it on the internet doesn’t mean you can take a look at for your self the way it works.
So, I made a decision to make a information. One thing straightforward that might convey collectively all of the accessibility options and choices you’ll find on iOS with examples and implementation guides.
That is why I constructed the Accessibility Handbook.
We’re speaking about iOS accessibility, so, nothing higher than utilizing the identical system to convey the information to life, proper?
How does it work?
Probably the most irritating a part of studying iOS accessibility, to me, was discovering the content material on-line, however not being actually positive about how would these adjustments behave whereas I used to be utilizing them on an precise machine.
What would occur if I implement it like this?
What’s a customized motion?
What occurs once I flip the elevated distinction on?
So, the Handbook tries to fill that hole. Not solely describe the characteristic but in addition be a dwelling instance of what that characteristic does when carried out, so you’ll be able to attempt it for your self instantly!
Past the VoiceOver
More often than not after we discuss iOS and cell Accessibility, we are likely to focus solely on screen-readers.
It is not a difficulty, often, they’re the issues that may take extra considered when implementing new layouts. However Accessibility doesn’t cease there, there’s a whole universe of issues that it is best to think about whereas implementing or designing an utility.
That’s one other factor I needed to do: Unfold information and consciousness about different accessibility options. Possibly they aren’t associated to implementation immediately, perhaps it is one thing it is best to take into consideration whereas designing the app, however I imagine you will need to know extra about them, to know they even exist.
UIKit, SwiftUI and Open Supply
An iOS accessibility information wouldn’t be full with out code examples of tips on how to implement all the pieces.
So, I’ve added code examples to all of the options, in each UIKit and SwiftUI. I do know most corporations with native apps nonetheless use UIKit or are migrating to SwiftUI, so it is essential to know the distinction between the 2 frameworks and learn to spot points throughout implementation.
However we went even additional: the complete mission is Open Supply. You’ll find the actual implementation of every web page and every instance, and in addition collaborate with increasing the content material by bringing new concepts and examples to the app.
Let’s be sincere, studying implementation paperwork and guides is kinda boring. I attempted to discover a extra fascinating method into studying iOS accessibility. So, I got here up with the Handbook Video games: a sequence of puzzles that want some accessibility characteristic or choice as a way to be solved.
The concept is to not be tough, the problem itself is to search out tips on how to allow the proper accessibility choice, or tips on how to navigate utilizing them. This serves 2 principal functions:
- Assist to find new accessibility options and choices;
- Create empathy by simulating conditions the place these options are helpful;
The first one is nice, I already talked a bit of about how I feel it is onerous to search out examples and documentation about a variety of matters on accessibility unexpectedly.
However the second one is even higher. I am attempting to create that ‘A-ha!’ second you get when fixing puzzles, mixed with utilizing accessibility choices. This fashion, I hope customers could make deeper connections with the significance of accessibility on the whole whereas going by way of examples of how they need to be carried out.
An entire expertise
All the app was constructed to be an instance. From the supply code to the app working to the examples.
It means you should use any accessibility software on iOS and see how the app behaves. Make the fonts larger, enhance the distinction, flip the VoiceOver on, scale back transparencies…
I imagine you may discover a good instance of what to anticipate from these options and accessibility choices, alongside code examples and the supply code.
The place to go from right here?
The Accessibility Handbook is on the market to obtain on the AppStore.
But additionally, make certain to test the supply code for the mission! Report any points you discover, and provides solutions on options, content material, and implementations. I need it to be collaborative, and develop whereas we be taught extra about iOS accessibility and whereas this very personal universe retains increasing. Additionally, with so many examples, chances are you’ll be taught one thing new from it!
I even have extra Mediums about iOS accessibility, larger examples, unit checks, and options you in all probability did not even find out about:
And, as all the time, preserve . New issues will seem whereas the working system and its Accessibility options evolve, and the extra you recognize, the higher ready you will be to determine and clear up accessibility points in your functions.
Thanks for studying!
