EasyTask

Inspiration

My inspiration for this accessibility to-do list app is actually my mom. For several years now, my mom has been suffering from Steven-Johnson Syndrome, which has had a profound impact on her vision. This condition has not only affected her ability to work and do things she enjoys but has also made interacting with technology challenging. Watching her struggle with these everyday tasks made me realize how important it is to create accessible technology. When I set out to develop this app, I envisioned features that would help my mom have a better experience with technology, and by extension, assist others who face similar challenges.

What it does

EasyTask is a user-friendly to-do list application designed to be accessible to everyone, including individuals with visual impairments. The app features customizable color themes specifically tailored for people with color vision deficiencies, such as protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia. This ensures that tasks are easy to read and manage regardless of the user's visual capabilities. The intuitive design allows users to quickly add, edit, and complete tasks, providing a seamless and efficient task management experience. The app also includes features like task categorization and reminders, making it a comprehensive tool for organizing daily activities.

How I built it

I built EasyTask using Pygame Zero, a beginner-friendly framework for creating games and graphical applications with Python. The development process started with extensive research on color vision deficiencies and accessible design principles. I then created a simple and clean interface with easy-to-use controls, ensuring that users of all abilities could navigate the app effortlessly. The customizable color themes were developed through trial and error, testing various color combinations to find the most effective ones for each type of color vision deficiency. I also implemented features such as task input, deletion, and strikethrough previews to enhance usability.

Challenges I ran into

One of the main challenges was designing the color themes to be genuinely accessible for individuals with different types of color vision deficiencies. It required extensive research and multiple iterations of testing to ensure that the chosen colors were distinguishable and comfortable for users. Additionally, creating an interface that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate for users with visual impairments was a complex task. I had to balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the app remained user-friendly while incorporating accessibility features. Another challenge was ensuring the app performed well on various devices and screen sizes, providing a consistent experience for all users.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I'm incredibly proud of creating an application that not only serves a practical purpose but also makes technology more accessible for individuals with visual impairments. Seeing how EasyTask can improve daily task management for people like my mom has been a significant accomplishment. The positive feedback from users, especially those with color vision deficiencies, has been incredibly rewarding. I'm also proud of the inclusive design approach I adopted, ensuring that every aspect of the app was developed with accessibility in mind. Additionally, successfully implementing a smooth and responsive user interface within the constraints of Pygame Zero was a notable technical achievement.

What I learned

Throughout the development of EasyTask, I learned a lot about accessibility in technology and the importance of inclusive design. I gained valuable insights into the specific needs of users with visual impairments and how small design changes can significantly impact their user experience. This project also reinforced the importance of empathy in the design process, understanding the user's perspective, and creating solutions that genuinely address their needs. I learned to approach design challenges creatively, finding innovative solutions to ensure accessibility without compromising on functionality or aesthetics. The experience has underscored the importance of user feedback in the development process, guiding us to make meaningful improvements to the app.

What's next for EasyTask

Next, we plan to add more customization options, such as different task categorization features. I aim to implement voice control functionality to make the app even more accessible, allowing users to interact with EasyTask hands-free. Additionally, I hope to gather more user feedback to continue improving the app and ensure it meets the needs of all users effectively. Expanding the app's functionality to include integration with other productivity tools and platforms is also on my roadmap. Ultimately, I hope to make EasyTask a leading example of accessible technology, continuously evolving to meet the diverse needs of our users.

Built With

• canva
• pygamezero
• python