FOOBY is now barrier-free
The latest update of FOOBY has given the app a completely new look. This also includes numerous accessibility features that make the recipe collection accessible and barrier-free for people with disabilities.
Among other things, FOOBY now has a dark mode, which improves readability for many people. Image: Bitforge AG
We have already explained the new features of the new FOOBY app in a previous earlier article explained. One specific change in the new version is the improved accessibility features, to which we have been able to contribute our own expertise in this area along with valuable tips from the Apple School.
Let’s start with the “basics”: These include the dark mode for better readability and the option to adjust the font sizes to the settings of the respective operating system. According to the international guidelines of the WCAG the font of an app must be able to be enlarged to 200% – which is now fulfilled in FOOBY. The navigation is now also more stringent, making the app easier to use for people with disabilities.
The screen reader must know exactly which elements are to be read first, especially for recipes. Image: Bitforge AG
Effortless for screen readers
The biggest challenge for our developers was the general overhaul of the ScreenReader customizations. To do this, a widget tree must specify exactly how a screen reader should read the various elements on a page and which of them can be customized. In the case of a recipe, this means that the screen reader must not only know the order in which it should read the elements, but also offer options to change the input where necessary – for example, the number of people for whom a recipe should be displayed.
The font size is now adopted according to the default settings of the operating system. Image: Bitforge AG
Accessibility is far from the norm
According to a recent article in the NetWeek many apps in Switzerland are still inadequate in terms of accessibility. We want to tackle this at Bitforge. “We are very grateful that, together with the Apfelschule and their expertise, we have been able to make FOOBY accessible to people with disabilities,” says Maria, accessibility specialist at Bitforge. The FOOBY app will now also become an integral part of the Apfelschule’s course program.
In most cases, a complete redesign is not required to make this possible. “We stuck to the basics during the restructuring and were able to get a lot out of the existing operating system tools,” explains Pascal, developer at Bitforge. A lot has already been done if you use the support of the framework when programming the app.
Better to plan sooner than later
It is also advisable to involve programmers in the topic of accessibility, says Pascal. “There are points that can be incorporated very well during programming, such as the labeling of images and icons.” The so-called alt text, which describes images and icons on websites, can also be used in frameworks for apps. These descriptions are then reproduced by a screen reader.
The icons are now larger and more clearly arranged to make navigation easier. Image: Bitforge AG
Developers can fill in this information directly during the process, which saves an additional step afterwards. The font size can also be tested and adjusted in between. These are quick wins that make a big impact with little effort.
With the new improved FOOBY app, people with disabilities can now also cook and bake to their heart’s content.
