26 September 2025
Blind SA worked with Checkers Sixty60 to improve the app experience for the visually impaired.
These improvements are focused on making the app more accessible and making it easier for screen readers to interpret the data onscreen.
This will be an ongoing process and Blind SA is asking users for additional suggestions.
As part of an effort to improve the accessibility of the Sixty60 app for the Blind, Checkers worked with non-profit organisation Blind SA to implement a raft of improvements to the app.
Sixty60 is Shoprite Group’s golden child. The grocery delivery service exploded during the pandemic and since then, it has grown in leaps and bounds to become the poster child for ecommerce in the country. As is always the case, success requires continuous investment and together with Blind SA, the Sixty60 app is now far better for those who form part of the visually impaired community.
“Since the app update of January 2025, it is much more accessible. Not only did Checkers Sixty60 make technical enhancements on the app, but they also invested in upskilling their developers, product owners and testers on accessibility paradigms and tools, embedding a critical skillset and awareness in the team,” explains president of Blind SA, Christo de Klerk.
So what did Checkers do to improve its Sixty60 app? Quite a lot actually
Starting at the beginning, the app’s onboarding process is now more accessible with improved labels and controls. On-screen readers provide clear guidance and read back entered inputs. Users are also given helpful hints in a bid to speed the process up.
User-created shopping lists can be easily edited by the visually impaired and quick actions can help users add items or find products more easily. When searching, enhanced labels and control types make finding items much easier. It is emphasised that in most instances where a user inputs data, that data is repeated back to them so as to improve the quality of the service.
Various aspects of the app have been primed specifically for screen reading technology so that when they are used, users get the correct information. This is far trickier than it seems and requires a lot of work to ensure things like alternative text in images and even image descriptions are accurate. Adding user inputs to this mix would likely complicate things so well done to Checkers for doing the work.
“Although it has not been possible to iron out all accessibility issues as yet, Checkers remains in constant communication with Blind SA. My hope is that other retailers will be as willing to improve their accessibility to ensure equal access for all,” says Nicole Roos, Member of the Advocacy and Information Committee at Blind SA.
This will undoubtedly be a continuous process where improvements are constantly coming down the line. To that end, Blind SA has asked that those with input and suggestions should contact 011 839 1739.
Well done to Checkers and lets hope other app developers follow in their footsteps.
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Source: HTXT
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