Accessibility Features for Bitcoin Applications
The table below shows how accessibility features designed for specific users can create benefits for everyone:
| Accessibility Feature | Who It Helps First | How It Helps Everyone |
|---|---|---|
| Captions & Transcripts | Deaf or hard-of-hearing users | Quiet or noisy environments, faster information parsing |
| Voice Control / Keyboard Nav | Limited mobility | Hands-free convenience, power-user efficiency |
| High Contrast / Text Size | Vision impairments | Sunlight use, aging eyes, general readability |
| Simple UI & Terminology | Cognitive impairments | Reduces mistakes, speeds up onboarding |
| Colorblind-friendly design | Colorblind users | Clearer and more distinguishable for everyone |
| Larger tap targets / gestures | Motor impairments | Fewer mis-taps on mobile, faster transactions |
| Offline & Low-bandwidth Support | Remote or resource-constrained users | Global access, better performance everywhere |
Visual Accessibility
Use sufficient contrast ratios
- Make sure text like addresses and balances and non-text meaningful graphics have adequate contrast against backgrounds
Don’t rely solely on color to convey information
- Use recognizable symbols, font weight, style, and other visual indicators alongside color coding to indicate information such as transaction status (SC 1.4.1)
Support text resizing and reflow without breaking layouts
- Ensure addresses transaction details, and other important content remains fully visible and readable when users zoom to 200% (SC 1.4.4)
- When users zoom to 400% content structure reflows without loss of information or functionality (SC 1.4.10)
Test with screen readers for semantic structure
- Structure wallet dashboard elements within proper headings, regions, and semantic markup for easy navigation (SC 1.3.1)
- Ensure links, buttons, and wallet controls have a name, role, and appropriate value to ensure screen reader users understand the controls name, state, and purpose (SC 4.1.2)
Cognitive Accessibility
Use clear, non-technical language
- Explain complex terminology like “private key”, “UTXO”, “XPUB”, and “block confirmation” in plain language (SC 3.1.5)
Provide contextual help and tooltips
- Include clear instructions alongside bitcoin address fields and transaction forms (SC 3.3.2)
Break complex processes into manageable steps
- Create step-by-step wizards for wallet setup, backup procedures, and sending transactions (SC 3.3.4)
Use consistent patterns and visual cues
- Maintain the same layout and button positions for key actions like send, receive, and confirm (SC 3.2.3)
Motor Accessibility
Ensure touch targets are at least 24×24 pixels
- Make transaction buttons and navigation elements large enough for users with tremors (SC 2.5.8)
Provide keyboard-only navigation options
- Allow users to tab through controls and use keyboard shortcuts for common actions (SC 2.1.1)
Minimize the need for precise gestures (e.g. dragging)
- Provide simple tap alternatives instead of requiring swipes or drags for transaction confirmation (SC 2.5.1)
Include confirmation steps for irreversible actions
- Add review screens and explicit confirmation dialogs before sending funds (SC 3.3.4)
Hearing Accessibility
Include visual alternatives to audio cues (such as visual alerts)
- Provide visible notifications for transaction confirmations and security alerts (SC 1.1.1)
Provide captions and transcripts for video content
- Add captions to all wallet tutorial videos (SC 1.2.2)
Use multi-sensory notification methods
- Combine visual indicators, sounds, and haptic feedback when transactions are confirmed (SC 1.3.3)
Situational Constraints
Design for offline functionality
- Allow users to view balances and prepare transactions without internet connection (BP)
Best practice for resilience; critical for users in unstable network environments.
Optimize for low bandwidth
- Create lightweight interfaces that function on slow connections in developing regions (BP)
Best practice to ensure usability in low-resource settings where full media loads may fail.
Consider environmental factors (sunlight, noise, distraction)
- Design interfaces that remain usable in bright sunlight and distracting environments (SC 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum), SC 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast)
Ensures text, icons, and essential controls remain visible and usable under harsh visual conditions.
Ask yourself, “Could Hal Finney use this?”