The graphical user interface (GUI) is how most people interact with computing devices, from smartphones to laptops and websites. While voice-activated interfaces like Siri have provided an alternative, the use of computer-generated voice for accessibility has been around for decades.
Suleyman Gokyigit, the CIO at Fire, a US organization that defends free speech, also spends time testing accessibility for software and websites at Applause. He works with companies to ensure their products are accessible, even for blind users.
Gokyigit, who is completely blind, has seen significant improvements in accessibility software over the years. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in providing immediate accessibility upon release.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to further improve accessibility by describing screen content to users. While AI technology has become more advanced, there are still gaps in software accessibility, as seen in Gokyigit’s experience with trying to create a new folder on a network storage device.
Gokyigit believes that addressing usability challenges in software goes beyond accommodating people with disabilities. He envisions a future where users can simply have conversations with their devices to accomplish tasks, similar to the interface shown in shows like Star Trek.