As Gen Z, we rely on smartphones for almost all daily matters: ordering food, paying for online transportation, banking transactions, to shopping for daily necessities. All through local apps.
For persons with disabilities, using those apps feels entirely different.
For Gen Z persons with disabilities, such as the blind, low vision, Deaf, or those with motor disabilities, opening a local app often feels like navigating a maze of obstacles. The problem lies in the app's UI/UX design itself.
1. The Major Sin of Local App UI/UX: Aesthetics Over Accessibility
Many app developers and designers in Indonesia focus on aesthetic appearance, busy colors, or fancy animations. These aesthetics sacrifice basic accessibility functions.
Some of the most frequently encountered UI/UX problems:
Low Contrast Text: Light gray text on a white background looks clean to some people. For low vision users, this text is barely readable and triggers digital eye strain.
Unlabeled Buttons: The blind rely on screen readers like TalkBack or VoiceOver. A button in the form of an icon without alternative text (alt text) is read as an "unlabeled button" or "button 123", and the user doesn't know its function.
Elements Too Small: Small navigation buttons make it difficult for users with motor disabilities or tremors to tap with precision.
No Built-in Accessibility Features: Few local apps provide options to change text size, high contrast, or special keyboard/gesture navigation within the app.
2. Psychological Impact: From Digital Exclusion to Tech Fatigue
Failed UI/UX design directly affects the user's psychological condition.
A. Feeling Isolated (Digital Exclusion)
Independence in the digital era is measured by how far a person can manage their own affairs through technology. When banking or transportation apps cannot be used by persons with disabilities, the app developers unwittingly exclude them from social life.
B. Mental Fatigue and Chronic Frustration
A simple transaction that takes 2 minutes for a non-disabled person can take 20 minutes for a user with a disability if the app is not screen-reader friendly. This confusing back-and-forth process triggers mental fatigue and frustration.
3. Reasons Local Apps Lag in Accessibility
Lack of Accessibility Education: UI/UX design curricula in Indonesia rarely emphasize international standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
The Assumption That Disability is a Small Market: Many startups view disabled users as a minority demographic, so accessibility features are often placed at the bottom of the backlog.
Lack of Involvement of Users with Disabilities in Usability Testing: Product teams often test apps only on non-disabled groups. Involving users with disabilities from the prototyping phase is key to inclusive UI/UX.
4. Solution: Implementing Design for All Principles
Digital inclusivity is a basic standard. Implementing inclusive UI/UX benefits everyone (universal design). Text with good contrast and clear buttons also help elderly users or people using phones under the hot sun.
Initial steps for app designers and developers:
Comply with WCAG Standards: Use a minimum color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for regular text.
Provide Alt Text on Every Interactive Element: Ensure every button, image, and icon has a clear text description for screen readers.
Test with Users with Disabilities: Conduct user research and usability testing directly with the disability community before releasing new features.
Conclusion
Millions of downloads and a cool look don't guarantee a great app. A great app can be used by anyone without exception.
Indonesia's tech ecosystem needs to shift from chasing trends to building inclusive and empathetic products. Digital accessibility is everyone's right, including Gen Z with disabilities who want to be independent in the digital world.
EASTER EGG FOUND!
Type the code KARYA-AKSES-1776
Hurry! Only 15 quota left.