Accessible dating app for disabled people

For this project, conducted as part of the course Accessible Information Systems, we designed a mainstream-viable dating app for disabled people, built on the principles of universal and accessible design.

Our process was rooted in a structured, user-centered methodology:

1. Systematic User Modeling

We began by researching and categorizing accessibility needs into four primary groups: visual, physical, cognitive/neurological, and auditory. This formed the basis for every design decision, ensuring we addressed specific barriers like low vision, limited motor function, dyslexia, and hearing impairments.

2. Adaptive On-boarding

From the very first screen, the app adapts to the user. It proactively asks about the need for voice commands and allows users to immediately configure crucial settings like high-contrast modes, colorblind filters, dyslexic-friendly fonts, and peripheral vision adjustments.

3. Smarter, Fairer Matching

We proposed an adaptation of the RECON recommender algorithm. This reciprocal, content-based system moves beyond simple filters. By incorporating "negative preferences" (learning from what a user dislikes or rejects) it aims to provide higher-quality matches and reduce the number of unwanted interactions. Crucially, the algorithm is blind to a user's disability, preventing algorithmic bias.

4. Inclusive Core Features

Accessibility was integrated into every feature. This included text-to-speech for messaging, alt-text for all images (provided by users), and clear, predictable navigation that works seamlessly with assistive technologies.

While this project focused on the design and conceptual phase, we also developed a framework for how to evaluate the app and to gather both qualitative and quantitative insights.