First, Last, Everything Robin Kanatzar, App accessibility speaker and developer
Oct 14, 2025
Robin Kanatzar, a former industrial engineer turned iOS and Android developer, dives into the world of app accessibility. She shares her journey from Panda Guide to educating developers on the European Accessibility Act and key WCAG guidelines. Discussing the importance of labeling for VoiceOver users, she highlights the benefits of accessibility features for everyone. Robin also explores the potential of AI in accessibility testing and the advancements of Apple Vision Pro, while advocating for inclusive design practices in the tech industry.
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Early Startup Sparked Accessibility Focus
- Robin worked at Panda Guide, a startup building a Google Maps–style app for people with vision impairments that never launched.
- That project was her first exposure to digital accessibility and changed her career focus.
Hardware Pivot To Extend Cane Range
- Panda Guide pivoted from maps to a neck-worn hardware prototype with multiple depth cameras to detect obstacles.
- The team aimed to extend cane range and warn users about stairs and people ahead.
Always Add Meaningful Accessibility Labels
- Give every UI element clear accessibility labels so assistive tech reads meaningful names instead of file or designer names.
- Use descriptive short names like "play button" or "football" rather than designer filenames.