Short answer

When designing development tools, especially those aimed at broadening user participation, actively consider and test for accessibility for users with diverse sensory abilities, not just visual interaction.

Field: Human Factors
Source: Information and Software Technology (2024)
Method: Systematic Literature Review
Sample: 38 primary studies
Evidence: Strong effect

The reliance on visual elements in low-code development tools, while intended to democratize software creation, inadvertently excludes individuals with visual impairments. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in Information and Software Technology. Using Systematic literature review with 38 primary studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing development tools, especially those aimed at broadening user participation, actively consider and test for accessibility for users with diverse sensory abilities, not just visual interaction.

Study

Human FactorsRecentStrong effect

Visual-centric low-code platforms create accessibility barriers for users with visual impairments.

The reliance on visual elements in low-code development tools, while intended to democratize software creation, inadvertently excludes individuals with visual impairments.

Information and Software Technology · 2024

Key Findings

01Most existing research on low-code accessibility focuses on visual languages and block-based programming.
02There is limited research dedicated to actively improving the accessibility of low-code programming environments for users with disabilities.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or evaluating low-code platforms, conduct user testing with individuals who have visual impairments to identify specific usability challenges and inform design improvements.

Project actions

01When researching low-code tools, look for studies that specifically mention accessibility for users with disabilities.
02Consider how your own design project could be made more accessible to a wider range of users, not just those with typical abilities.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the extent to which low-code development approaches are accessible to users with visual impairments and to identify existing research gaps and future directions.

MethodSystematic Literature Review

ProcedureA systematic search of five major academic databases was conducted, followed by filtering of 918 identified studies. Backward and forward snowballing was employed to identify additional relevant research. Data from 38 primary studies were synthesized using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Sample38 primary studies

ContextSoftware development, particularly low-code and visual programming environments.

Variables

IVReliance on visual elements in low-code platforms

DVAccessibility for users with visual impairments

CVType of low-code approach (e.g., block-based, drag-and-drop)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases.
+Inclusion of both quantitative and qualitative synthesis methods.

Limitations

The availability of research on accessibility for specific low-code platforms might be limited, making a comprehensive review challenging.

Reliability & validity

The systematic nature of the literature review, with clear inclusion/exclusion criteria and a defined search strategy, enhances its reliability and validity.

Think critically

Given the trend towards visual and low-code development, how can designers proactively ensure these tools do not create new digital divides based on ability?

Design Principles

"Design for inclusivity by providing multi-modal interaction options that cater to a wide range of user abilities."

Designers and developers must consider a broader spectrum of user abilities when creating tools. Failing to address accessibility can limit the user base and exclude valuable perspectives, hindering true innovation and inclusivity.

What This Means for Your Design

Low-code tools that rely heavily on visuals can be hard for people who can't see well to use, and not enough research is being done to fix this.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this review to justify the importance of investigating accessibility in your chosen design context.
2.Use the findings to inform your own user research and design choices, ensuring you consider users with diverse needs.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This systematic literature review highlights a significant gap in the accessibility of low-code development approaches, particularly for users with visual impairments. The reliance on visual interfaces, while intended to simplify development, creates barriers for individuals with visual challenges. Future design efforts should prioritize multi-modal interaction and inclusive design principles to ensure these powerful tools are accessible to a broader user base.

Source

Information and Software Technology

Accessibility of low-code approaches: A systematic literature review

journal · 2024

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about visual-centric low-code platforms create accessibility barriers for users with visual impairments?: When designing development tools, especially those aimed at broadening user participation, actively consider and test for accessibility for users with diverse sensory abilities, not just visual interaction. Evidence: Information and Software Technology (2024).
Why does "Visual-centric low-code platforms create accessibility barriers for users with visual impairments." matter for design?: Designers and developers must consider a broader spectrum of user abilities when creating tools. Failing to address accessibility can limit the user base and exclude valuable perspectives, hindering true innovation and inclusivity.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing development tools, especially those aimed at broadening user participation, actively consider and test for accessibility for users with diverse sensory abilities, not just visual interaction.
What were the main findings?: Most existing research on low-code accessibility focuses on visual languages and block-based programming.. There is limited research dedicated to actively improving the accessibility of low-code programming environments for users with disabilities.
What research method was used?: Systematic Literature Review with 38 primary studies.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2024 journal from Information and Software Technology.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or evaluating low-code platforms, conduct user testing with individuals who have visual impairments to identify specific usability challenges and inform design improvements.
What are the limitations?: The review's findings are limited by the scope of existing published research, which may not fully represent all efforts in low-code accessibility.