Accessibility Diagnostics

Systematic accessibility troubleshooting with App Store rejection defense and design review push-back frameworks.

Overview

Diagnostic workflows for VoiceOver testing, Dynamic Type support, color contrast validation, and touch target compliance. Includes mandatory steps for App Store review preparation and handling accessibility-related rejections.

What This Diagnostic Covers

Mandatory Accessibility Checks

VoiceOver Testing

• Missing accessibility labels
• Poor label quality (technical vs user-friendly)
• Button vs image traits
• Custom control announcements
• Navigation order

Dynamic Type Support

• Fixed font sizes blocking text scaling
• Layout breaking at larger sizes
• Missing .minimumScaleFactor
• Text truncation issues
• Horizontal scrolling required

Color Contrast

• WCAG AA compliance (4.5:1 for text)
• WCAG AAA targets (7:1 for text)
• Insufficient contrast in dark mode
• Rely on color alone for information

Touch Targets

• Minimum 44×44pt hit areas (Apple HIG)
• WCAG 2.5.5 Target Size (24×24pt minimum)
• Spacing between tappable elements
• Gesture conflicts

App Store Rejection Defense

Guideline 2.5.2 - Accessibility

Common rejection scenarios:

• "App is not accessible to users with disabilities"
• "VoiceOver cannot access key features"
• "Text does not scale with Dynamic Type"
• "Insufficient color contrast in UI"

48-Hour Resubmit Pressure

• Systematic issue identification
• Priority triage (blockers vs enhancements)
• Compliance verification workflow
• Resubmission checklist

When to Use This Diagnostic

Use this diagnostic when:

• App Store rejected for accessibility (Guideline 2.5.2)
• Preparing for App Store submission
• Accessibility audit requested by legal/compliance
• Users report VoiceOver issues
• Adding new UI components or screens
• Before major releases

Diagnostic Workflow

1. VoiceOver Sweep (30-60 min)
   ├─ Close eyes, navigate entire app
   ├─ Document unintelligible or missing labels
   ├─ Test all interactive elements
   └─ Verify forms and error states

2. Dynamic Type Test (15-30 min)
   ├─ Settings → Accessibility → Larger Text
   ├─ Max size (AX5 / 310%)
   ├─ Navigate all screens
   └─ Document truncation and breaking layouts

3. Color Contrast Scan (15-30 min)
   ├─ Use Accessibility Inspector
   ├─ Check all text against backgrounds
   ├─ Test in light mode and dark mode
   └─ Verify WCAG AA compliance (4.5:1)

4. Touch Target Validation (15-30 min)
   ├─ Measure all interactive elements
   ├─ Verify 44×44pt minimum
   ├─ Check spacing between targets
   └─ Test with large hands on smallest device

Design Review Push-Back

Scenario: Designer insists on 12pt font that breaks Dynamic Type

Framework:

1. Cite Apple HIG: "All text must support Dynamic Type"
2. Show compliance: "App Store Review Guideline 2.5.2"
3. Demonstrate issue: Record VoiceOver navigation breaking
4. Offer alternatives: Suggest scalable alternatives
5. Escalate if needed: "This is a rejection risk"

Scenario: Design requires color-only information (red/green status)

Framework:

1. Cite WCAG: "Success Criterion 1.4.1 - Use of Color"
2. Show impact: "8% of males are colorblind"
3. Demonstrate issue: Screenshot in grayscale
4. Offer alternatives: Icons, text labels, patterns
5. Document risk: "Potential rejection under 2.5.2"

Tools and Resources

Xcode Accessibility Inspector

• VoiceOver preview
• Contrast ratio calculator
• Audit scans
• Element hierarchy

System Settings

• VoiceOver (Settings → Accessibility → VoiceOver)
• Display & Text Size (larger text, bold text)
• Reduce Motion
• Increase Contrast

Third-Party Tools

• Sim Daltonism (colorblindness simulator)
• Contrast (contrast checker app)
• WAVE (web accessibility checker)

Related Resources

• audit-accessibility — Quick automated scan
• WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
• Apple HIG - Accessibility

Documentation Scope

This is a diagnostic skill — mandatory workflows with pressure defense scenarios.

Diagnostic includes

• Step-by-step troubleshooting
• App Store rejection defense
• Design review push-back frameworks
• Compliance verification checklists
• Production crisis scenarios

Vs Reference: Diagnostic skills enforce specific workflows and handle pressure scenarios. Reference skills provide comprehensive information without mandatory steps.

Size

19 KB - Diagnostic workflows with rejection defense