# Enhancing Accessibility in Airbnb's Android App Design and automated testing for inclusive user experiences. - **Source:** [Android in The Airbnb Tech Blog on Medium](https://brifing.si/source/c30dd6fc-b31d-4133-a322-c5e8e66cbe4f) - **Published:** 2023-01-11 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cc9aea8d-650e-4c47-9736-9d177a2f5b00 ## Accessibility vision Airbnb is making its mobile apps accessible to all users, aligning with its mission of creating belonging. This effort not only supports the company's 'belong anywhere' goal but also upholds disability rights and legal compliance. Basic improvements include labeling, content grouping, and large font support throughout the application. ## Content labeling standards Adding accurate content descriptions to UI elements is critical for visually impaired users. For example, the share button has a TalkBack-readable description, while decorative icons like the house are skipped. This approach ensures assistive technologies convey the right information without unnecessary clutter. ## Content grouping techniques Presenting related content in logical groups significantly improves screen reader experience. For instance, all listing information on a card is contained within one focusable container, allowing TalkBack to read it coherently. This helps users mentally piece together information more easily. ## Font scaling solutions Responsive design principles ensure UI remains functional when users increase system font size. The left shows default font scaling, while the right displays enlarged text. These improvements particularly benefit elderly users or those with visual impairments who rely on larger text sizes. ## Component-based scalability Airbnb's Design Language System (DLS) propagates accessibility improvements across the entire app. When the SectionHeader component receives accessibility heading features, all screens using it automatically update. This approach provides sustainable solutions for large-scale applications. ## Automated testing infrastructure Espresso-based automated tests run with every code commit, instantly catching accessibility issues. For example, when an imageView lacks content description, engineers receive detailed stack traces for debugging. Happo additionally tests component behavior at large font sizes. ## Future-focused approach During the Jetpack Compose migration, Google's accessibility documentation serves as a guide. Proactive measures like mandatory content descriptions in API design are implemented. Though still young, Compose's accessibility features are expected to mature. These efforts raise digital accessibility standards industry-wide. ## Sources covering this story - https://medium.com/airbnb-engineering/making-airbnbs-android-app-more-accessible-75618172be6?source=rss----53c7c27702d5--android — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._