| Process Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Define Standard | Establish the compliance standard (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA or WCAG 2.2 AA) |
| Define Mobile Environment | Specify the platform(s) to audit (iOS and/or Android) |
| Define Scope | Determine which screens and features to include in the audit |
| Conduct Audit | Execute the audit using our comprehensive evaluation methodologies |
| Screen Reader Testing | Test with VoiceOver for iOS and TalkBack for Android to ensure compatibility |
| Keyboard Testing | Verify all functionality is accessible via external keyboard navigation |
| Visual Inspection | Review visual elements for contrast, text size, and visual clarity |
| Touch and Gesture Testing | Evaluate touch targets, gesture alternatives, and motion interactions |
We conduct accessibility audits for all types of digital assets. Most clients request a WCAG audit for their website. However, some ask us to audit their mobile application. Here’s our process:
- Define standard (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA or WCAG 2.2 AA)
- Define mobile environment (e.g., iOS and/or Android)
- Define scope (i.e., what screens to audit)
- Conduct audit (using our evaluation methodologies)
Here are our evaluation methodologies for mobile apps:
- screen reader testing (VoiceOver for iOS and TalkBack for Android)
- keyboard testing
- visual inspection
- touch and gesture testing
And, of course, all of our audits are fully manual no matter what digital asset is involved. We only use the AXE automated scan for web assets as a review to ensure we identify all issues that can be correctly flagged by automation.
Table of Contents
Mobile App Accessibility Evaluation Methodologies
We employ a number of diverse evaluation methodologies to grade your mobile app against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, either version 2.1 or 2.2.
Screen Reader Testing
Screen reader testing is the cornerstone of mobile accessibility evaluation, as it reveals how users who are blind or have low vision will experience your app. We test with both VoiceOver on iOS and TalkBack on Android to ensure compatibility across platforms. This method identifies issues with element labeling, navigation flow, and content structure that may not be apparent in visual testing. Screen readers interpret the accessibility information provided by your app’s code, so this testing directly evaluates how well your development team has implemented accessibility features.
- Navigation flow and logical reading order
- Proper labeling of interactive elements and images
- Announcement of state changes and dynamic content
- Custom gesture support and functionality
- Heading structure and landmark identification
- Table and list announcement accuracy
Keyboard Testing
Mobile devices primarily rely on touch input, but keyboard testing remains crucial for users who connect external keyboards or use switch controls. Many users with motor disabilities depend on alternative input methods rather than direct touch interaction. This evaluation method tests the app’s compatibility with assistive hardware and ensures that all functionality remains accessible when touch gestures aren’t possible. We examine both standard keyboard navigation and specialized accessibility input methods.
- External keyboard navigation compatibility
- Focus management and visible focus indicators
- Logical tab order throughout the interface
- Keyboard shortcuts and their accessibility
- Switch control testing for motor impairments
- Alternative input method support
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection evaluates how well your app serves users with various visual needs, from color blindness to low vision. This comprehensive review examines color usage, contrast ratios, content and text resizing and reflow, and overall visual design principles. We test how the interface responds to accessibility settings like increased text size and high contrast modes. This method also identifies potential barriers for users with cognitive disabilities by evaluating information clarity and visual organization.
- Color contrast ratios for all text and interactive elements
- Text scaling functionality up to 200% zoom
- Touch target size and spacing (minimum 44×44 points)
- Color-only information dependencies
- Visual design consistency and clarity
- High contrast mode compatibility
Touch and Gesture Testing
Touch and gesture testing focuses on the physical interaction aspects of mobile accessibility. We evaluate whether complex gestures have accessible alternatives and test the app’s response to different motor abilities. This includes examining timeout settings, motion-based interactions, and the overall ergonomics of app navigation. We also test how the app performs when users have tremors, limited dexterity, or use assistive devices for touch interaction.
- Alternative input methods for complex gestures
- Timeout settings and motion sensitivity considerations
- Drag-and-drop accessibility alternatives
- Device orientation and one-handed use scenarios
- Touch sensitivity and pressure requirements
- Gesture customization options
After the Audit
After the audit is completed, we issue clients their audit report with all mobile app accessibility issues identified and detailed. After the report is delivered, here’s what most clients opt for:
- Client makes fixes on Accessibility Tracker (our project platform)
- We validate issues as resolved or provide feedback if fixes are incomplete
- Client reaches full WCAG conformance or is satisfied
- We issue documentation such as a VPAT/ACR or certification
Would you like an independent, formal audit for your mobile app?
We’d love to help, just send us a message below or contact us and we’ll be right with you.
