Appt.org helps developers create apps that are accessible for everyone

Collaboration between Q42 and the Appt Foundation

All around us, the world is going digital. And, because everyone has the right to participate in our rapidly digitising society, apps should be suitable for everyone to use. "Our shared goal is therefore to make apps accessible to all," explains Johan. "One way we're pursuing that goal is with the appt.org platform. At Q42, we did a study a while ago, examining the use of inbuilt accessibility functions on mobile phones, like large-font text, screen reader, enhanced contrast and subtitling. The findings showed that it isn't only people with disabilities who used functions of that kind. Lots of people without obvious disabilities use them as well. More than half of all Android users took advantage of them, for example. Amongst iOS users, it was just less than half. Those are big percentages, emphasising just how important digital accessibility is. At around the time we did the study, the Appt Foundation was busy with the further development of a knowledge bank about the accessibility of apps. Appt were looking round for help creating the knowledge bank and turned to Q42."

The appt.org accessibility platform

"They got in touch, and we decided to join forces," Johan continues. "The result of our collaboration is appt.org: a platform where we draw on the findings of the Q42 research to promote awareness in the app development community. Through the platform's knowledge bank, we also offer solutions – guidance on achieving digital accessibility. Before going live, we consulted a lot of app and website developers and got some valuable input. One thing that became clear from the feedback was that visitors didn't know where to begin. They were a little bewildered by the volume of information on the platform. We therefore produced a beginner's guide to help users navigate their way through the information."

"The beta version of the platform went live in December 2022, and the official launch of appt.org was on 30 January 2023. We've since had a lot of positive feedback. Many developers would like to build accessible apps, but don't know where to start. For example, government organisations and public and semi-public institutions in the Netherlands will soon have to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Onappt.org, we therefore provide code examples illustrating how to meet the various WCAG provisions when creating an app. A lot of developers find the examples very useful. Our platform serves as a central repository for all the information needed to realise an accessible app."

Support from SIDN Fund

SIDN Fund played an important role in the project. "The Fund was looking to do more with digital accessibility, and our project was a great fit," Johan confirms. SIDN Fund's financial support enabled us to extend our research and ultimately set up the platform. The project also strengthened the relationship and collaboration between Q42 and the Appt Foundation. That ultimately led to me joining the Appt Foundation's board." Explaining the background to the Fund's involvement, Programme Manager Mieke van Heesewijk says, "There's a real lack of knowledge and awareness amongst developers and decision-makers regarding the value of accessibility in apps. So it's great that the appt.org accessibility platform now offers concrete solutions. As well as explaining why accessibility is so important for an app, the platform also provides practical guidance and a step-by-step plan for developers. Which translates into the realisation of more accessible apps. That's a positive development for inclusive technology."

Apps that are accessible to all

"The platform is now attracting a lot of users. But we're not sitting back. We're looking ahead and working to make improvements all the time. We're looking for someone who can raise the project's profile and grow the platform by adding more content. As well as promoting collaboration and interaction between app builders. So that we can help build a digital society in which everyone can participate, and where apps are accessible to all. In order to realise that ultimate goal, we must keep collaborating." Want to know more about appt.org? Think that you can lend a hand? Drop a line to Johan Huijkman at johan@q42.nl.