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Over the past two decades, we have seen tremendous improvements and advances in the accessibility of computer software. The design of the first generation of computer software made several assumptions, including:
- All users can read the screen display
- All users can hear and react to sounds produced by computing devices
- All users have access to a standard keyboard and other input devices
Subsequent designs address these assumptions through the use of screen reading aids, alternative input devices, comprehension software, speech recognition software, and screen magnification.
These adaptive technologies have evolved over the years. In recent times, they appear to solve problems faced by users with physical, visual, and hearing impairments. However, the fact is that we all suffer from situational disabilities. Fatigue from overtime, broken bones, poor vision, or vision problems from too much light are all examples of temporary disabilities. Software design is needed to solve these problems. This means software should be designed for all of us . We need to redefine who accessibility solutions are for.
Read on to learn how we're redesigning software from a user experience perspective so we can all benefit from accessible solutions.
The current situation
Software developers need to be more empathetic and understanding of users in order to develop accessible solutions for everyone. As a software developer, you need to understand the different disabilities, identities, and attitudes of your users when designing software. It is best to focus on their capabilities, the various limitations (whether situational, short-term or permanent), the application of the software, the use of the software (whether long-term or short-term use) and any possible limitations. Assistive technology may be required.
Software developers and vendors have leveraged adaptive devices and applications to make it easy for all users to perform both basic and complex functions of software. Some of these include:
- Speech Recognition Application – Allows speaking to the computer to simulate typing or selection using a mouse.
- Screen Magnification App - Allows people with low vision to view computer screens easily.
- Screen Reading App – Read the text displayed on the screen. They are also called text-to-speech applications.
- Comprehension software – Manipulates text on the screen to enable users with learning difficulties to see and hear the text.
- Alternative input devices – Replacements for the mouse and keyboard.
Adaptive technologies are primarily developed around these issues. Many computer programs today are very intuitive. They present challenges for users with visual impairments, but this is not the case. These users currently access and use the software in the following ways:
- Zoom in : This requires enlarging the display on the screen. It helps visually impaired users view parts of text or entire display blocks while easily tracking the current focus. Computer programs and software take advantage of high-contrast themes and the ability to filter content through different color palettes.
- Braille : Braille technology has evolved from hard copies produced in Braille relief to refreshable Braille display technology. This involves using software to translate the text into Braille.
- Text-to-speech : Users with visual impairments and learning difficulties use these speech programs to access software. Users with speech difficulties can use the technology to replace their own voices. This technology can be used by all users to access software to enhance the understanding and use of computer software.
Some users have trouble entering information into their computers using a standard keyboard and mouse. They use other methods to enter data into computers. Software developers deploy speech recognition technology, sticky keys, and hotkeys to enable them to enter data into computer programs and software.
question
The current state of software accessibility does not fully address the need for all users to easily access software. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines provide three levels for measuring the accessibility of software and other digital services. The levels are:
- A : This is the lowest level and indicates that the software can identify users with disabilities and provide these users with a basic level of access.
- AA : This is the second level that indicates that the software recognizes software users with disabilities and addresses the challenges these users face when interacting with the software
- AAA : This is the third and most advanced level of software accessibility. This level includes a design that is user-friendly and easy to use for all software, despite their disabilities.
Software design has evolved from command line interfaces to graphical user interfaces. The design of graphical user interfaces was a major breakthrough in software accessibility and usability.
Ongoing evaluation of software design finds that many are not designed with users with disabilities in mind. This has led to the development of adaptive devices and technologies that help users access software and other digital services.
The latest application of user experience in software development shows that software accessibility works for everyone .
This article presents the current state of software accessibility and its evolution over the past two decades. It explains what factors need to be considered while designing software so that every user can use any software comfortably.