Embracing Inclusivity and Accessibility in App Design

Project Description

In the context of transitioning from legacy (old, slow, and expensive) systems, research highlights that such systems, especially in areas like business intelligence, customer databases, and document management, are top priorities for replacement due to their limitations in modern business environments. A significant portion of IT leaders from large enterprises recognize these systems as major hurdles to innovation and efficiency, with the financial and retail sectors feeling the impact most acutely due to their complexity and deep integration into business operations. This scenario is further compounded in larger organizations, where the risks and business impacts of overhauling these systems are considerable.

My own experience in developing a scheduling system for an educational center mirrors these findings, demonstrating the tangible benefits of modern solutions over outdated legacy systems. Despite initial success, the transition highlighted the challenges of integrating new solutions with existing infrastructures, eventually leading to the project's shutdown due to system incompatibilities.

Educational centers and businesses require an adaptable, user-friendly scheduling solution that seamlessly integrates with legacy systems to enhance operational efficiency and user engagement, overcoming the inherent limitations and risks associated with outdated technology.

Sources

- Flinders, K. (2015, June 19). Legacy Systems Holding Back 90% of businesses: Computer Weekly. ComputerWeekly.com. [Link](https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500248467/Legacy-systems-holding-back-90-per-cent-of-businesses)

- Grensing-Pophal, L. (2023, December 21). Letting go of Legacy Systems. Welcome to SHRM. [Link](https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/technology/pages/letting-go-legacy-systems-hr-tech.aspx)

Inclusive design and accessibility, while closely intertwined, cater to a spectrum of user needs with nuanced differences. Inclusive design refers to the creation of products that are usable by as wide a range of people as possible, without the need for adaptation. Accessibility, on the other hand, is about providing equal access to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. When we blend inclusive design with accessibility, we lay the foundation for an app that serves a diverse user base and provides an equitable user experience.

Evolving the App for Everyone

In my recent update, I've taken significant steps to enhance my business tool for admins with the aim of marrying inclusivity with accessibility. Here’s how I translated these principles into tangible changes:

• Introducing Light Mode Recognizing the varying preferences and needs of users, I introduced a light mode alongside the existing dark mode, providing a choice that caters to different visual requirements.

• Boosted Color Contrast I've increased the color contrast across my app, particularly in areas like text against backgrounds and buttons. This change improves readability and ensures that the content is perceivable by users with visual impairments.

• Alternative Text for Screen Readers My commitment to screen reader accessibility led me to implement descriptive alternative texts for all visual elements, ensuring that users who rely on assistive technology can navigate my app with ease.

• Horizontal Layouts I've redesigned the interface to support horizontal layouts, thereby accommodating users who use their devices in landscape orientation, often due to the use of mobility aids or preferences for larger displays.