Accessibility for all: Empowering those with motor impairment (using Lyft app)

image credits: designed by me

About 25 million people in the US have travel-limiting disabilities, 3.6 million of which are homebound, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Part of this is due to lack of accessible transportation options. (Hawkins, 2022). This is due to difficult to use mainstream ride sharing apps that claim to adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) but in reality, it’s far from truth. This report explains about on of the accessibility issue of these ride sharing apps and how can be made more accessible and inclusive.

Image source: https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/as-uber-lyft-sidecar-grow-so-do-concerns-of-5240889.php

Type of Impairment

Motor Impairment (Limited Mobility or Dexterity): Motor-impaired users, including those with paralysis, limb weakness, or severe arthritis, face challenges due to limited dexterity and mobility, making it hard to perform precise touch gestures required by the Lyft app. The absence of robust voice command features further limits their interaction options.

image source: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/26/the-internet-is-far-from-being-accessible-for-all-people-with-disabilities-advocate-says.html

Challenges:

1. Precise Touch Interactions: Users are expected to tap on specified buttons, enter addresses, and swipe through several displays to confirm or move through them.
2. Limited Independence: Users with motor disabilities may be forced to rely on the help of others to utilize the program. This reliance on outside assistance reduces their independence and privacy.
3. Reduced Accessibility: The goal of accessibility is to enable independent access to and respectable use of digital services by all users, regardless of their ability.

image source: https://www.caregivercalifornia.org/2021/07/01/6-options-transportation-for-the-elderly/

Accessibility Issue: Inadequate Voice Command Support

The Lyft app’s absence of robust voice command support, particularly for users with disabilities, is a critical accessibility issue. This limitation hinders those with motor limitations or touch sensitivity issues from effectively using the app, leading to reduced autonomy and a frustrating user experience, diminishing the app’s potential benefits.

image source: https://medium.com/@leybrandi/the-usability-accessibility-and-ethics-of-lyft-58599a2c2668

Types of Barriers

“It’s a basic human right to be able to get around.” — Harriet Lowell (wheelchair reliant user) [1]

1. Limited Independence: Users may rely on others due to the absence of comprehensive voice command capabilities, impacting their independence in transportation decisions.

2. Frustration and Inefficiency: Touch-based interactions may lead to challenges and inefficiencies, causing longer wait times, missed rides, and frustration.

3. Inadequate Customization: Lack of features like adjustable button sizes and gesture controls further hinders effective app usage.

4. Missed Opportunities: Users may struggle to request timely rides, potentially affecting their travel effectiveness.

Image source: https://ymi.today/2022/05/why-we-feel-uncomfortable-around-disabled-people/

Design Solution

1. Implement Comprehensive Voice Command Support: Develop a comprehensive voice command system for all essential Lyft app features, including ride requests, destination selection, and ride status checks. Ensure it accommodates diverse accents, languages, and pronunciations for a wide user base.
2. Voice Navigation: Incorporate voice-guided navigation in the app to assist users with motor limitations in menu selection. Create a user-friendly voice menu for verbal app navigation, enabling commands like “Request a ride to [destination]” or “Check my ride status.” Offer prompt, concise auditory feedback for voice-initiated actions to confirm user inputs and provide reassurance. Ensure the feedback is user-friendly and customizable, allowing users to adjust the level and select alternative speech options.

Image source: https://theabilityapp.com/blind-man-talking-with-mobile-phone-disabled-man-speaking/

How These Changes Would Help:

1. Empower Users: Users with motor disabilities gain independence and improved quality of life through efficient Lyft app use.

2. Inclusivity: Extensive voice command features promote inclusivity, breaking down barriers and fostering equal access.

Image source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/disability-rights-groups-battle-lyft-wheelchair-accessible-vehicles-rcna43999

3. Convenience and efficiency: Users navigate the app more efficiently, reducing time and frustration.

4. Error Reduction: Auditory feedback lowers the risk of user errors, enhancing user experience and ride reliability.

Image source: https://www.flintrehab.com/cerebral-palsy-driving/

Citations

Hawkins, A. J. (2022, July 11). How Uber and Lyft still fail their disabled passengers. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/23199117/ride-sharing-disabled-passengers-accessibility-uber-lyft

Image source [1] https://mashable.com/article/lyft-uber-wheelchair-accessible

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