Youku's Accessibility Development: Enhancing User Experience for Visually Impaired Users

This article discusses Youku's efforts in developing accessibility features for their mobile application, focusing on improving the user experience for visually impaired individuals. The content is based on a speech by Ali Mobile Technology Leader and Ali Pictures Leader, Ao Xiao, at the Third Technology Accessibility Development Conference held in Beijing.

The article begins by addressing two key questions: why a video platform needs to focus on accessibility and the scale of the audience that benefits from such features. Through research conducted with the Information Accessibility Research Association, it was found that there are over 190 million people aged 65 and above in China, including visually impaired, hearing impaired, and reading impaired individuals, with nearly 17 million visually impaired people alone.

Initially, it was assumed that visually impaired individuals would primarily use audio-based apps like audiobooks or music apps. However, the research revealed a strong demand for video apps among this group, with over 36% using video apps for more than an hour daily and 30% for over two hours.

The article then delves into Youku's accessibility optimizations within the app, focusing on two main areas: making the app itself accessible for users with disabilities, particularly visually and hearing impaired individuals, and enhancing content accessibility to help users better understand the content. Specific examples of these optimizations include:

1. Unified Screen Reader Specifications: Improving the way screen readers interpret and read out content on the app's interface, making it easier for visually impaired users to navigate and understand the information presented.

2. More Elegant and Understandable Interactions: Modifying the behavior of control bars during video playback to remain visible when a visually impaired user is interacting with the player, allowing for smoother navigation and control.

3. Content Proactively Reaching Users: Dynamically placing accessible theater content on the Youku homepage based on user behavior, making it easier for visually impaired users to access and enjoy accessible content.

4. Continuous Adaptation and Improvement: Recognizing the complexity of accessibility development, Youku has established a comprehensive adaptation and testing mechanism to ensure each new version of the app maintains high quality and provides excellent service.

The article also highlights user feedback, including a touching story from an elderly user who found the accessible version of Youku to be a significant improvement in their ability to use the app smoothly.

Additionally, the article discusses Youku's exploration of accessible content, such as audio descriptions that provide narration of visual elements in movies and TV shows, helping visually impaired viewers better understand and enjoy the content. Youku launched an accessible theater on December 3rd, World Disability Day, featuring classic films like 'Dying to Survive' and 'Detective Chinatown 2', with plans to collaborate with the China Library for the Blind to introduce more accessible content and establish accessibility content standards.

Looking ahead, Youku plans to launch an 'elderly-friendly version' in the second half of the year, focusing on simpler operations and more accurate content distribution for older users. The company also aims to continue innovating in accessibility solutions, collaborating with institutions like Alibaba's Damo Academy and the Information Accessibility Research Association to explore faster, more convenient, and smarter accessibility interactions and content generation methods.

The article concludes by encouraging more tech companies to join in improving content and operational accessibility and calling for more content copyright holders to provide accessible content rights, allowing individuals with disabilities to enjoy more excellent film and television works.