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Enhancing Accessibility in Online Dating with Castanet

In a remarkable initiative, the Tokyo-based nonprofit organization, Marriage Consultation NPO, along with Loginas Inc., has significantly improved the user interface and user experience of its online business card service, Castanet, for visually impaired users. This service, which is dedicated to facilitating romantic and marriage connections, is designed with attention to making it universally accessible to as many individuals as possible.

What is Castanet?

Castanet is a free online business card service aimed specifically at individuals seeking romance or marriage. With an emphasis on mutual verification of profiles, the service seeks to mitigate the increasing troubles associated with modern dating. Its goal is to address the issues of rising singlehood and delayed marriages in society.

To ensure that individuals with disabilities can readily access the service, Castanet has undergone substantial improvements in its universal accessibility features. The online business card platform allows users to safely share both profiles and trust information, which is critical in establishing a secure environment for dating and marriage.

A Commitment to Inclusivity

For over a decade, the Marriage Consultation NPO has been at the forefront of supporting individuals with disabilities in their quest for love and companionship. Recognizing that visually impaired users often face significant barriers in navigating conventional dating platforms, the organization initiated a comprehensive testing process with visually impaired users, utilizing both PCs and smartphones to gather vital feedback.

This testing phase lasted more than two months and revealed multiple challenges that needed to be addressed. The organization is committed to refining the service continually based on user experience and feedback.

Identifying and Addressing Challenges

During the testing, the following challenges were identified, and subsequent actions were taken to enhance accessibility:

1. Lack of Audio Descriptions: The service's promotional video did not contain audio narration, making it challenging for visually impaired users to grasp its nuances. To resolve this, an audio file specifically designed for visually impaired users was created and implemented.

2. Incomplete Screen Reader Compatibility: Certain areas of the interface were not adequately compatible with screen readers, which led to incomplete text reading. Modifications were made to ensure all images also included descriptive audio elements.

3. Inadequate Image Recognition: It became clear that users struggled with recognizing images and icons. The team responded by adding descriptive audio prompts for all images and icons within the platform to facilitate comprehension.

4. Cursor Navigation Difficulties: Visually impaired users noted difficulties with basic cursor operations, prompting a thorough review and revision of the targeting elements for improved navigation.

5. Photo Verification Challenges: Users faced issues during the upload of required verification documents and photos. Adjustments were made to offer personalized support via LINE, a messaging platform frequently used by visually impaired individuals, enabling agents to assist in uploading necessary files directly.

6. Adding Audio to Videos: Users greatly appreciated the incorporation of audio descriptions in videos, enriching their understanding of the service offerings.

Looking Ahead

With the recent improvements, the essential challenges encountered by visually impaired users have seen significant resolutions. Nevertheless, the journey toward true universal accessibility is ongoing. The organization remains open to user suggestions and committed to continuous enhancements.

About the Marriage Consultation NPO

Established in 2013, the Marriage Consultation NPO operates with the goal of addressing issues stemming from declining birth rates and an aging population in Japan. As a recognized nonprofit organization based in Tokyo (NPO Number: 011105006111), its mission extends to include initiatives that accommodate individuals across various demographics, including those from marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities, nonregular workers, and those with ties to new religious movements.

In recent years, the organization has extended its focus to include solutions for rural depopulation issues, particularly in the isolated town of Manazuru, Kanagawa Prefecture. Following the principle of 'not turning anyone away,' the NPO has succeeded in creating an inclusive environment for marriage consultations, which has sparked the need for the earlier stages of romantic endeavors to be equally supportive and respectful. As part of this vision, the collaboration with Loginas Inc. to develop Castanet officially began in 2025.

For more information, you can visit the official website of the Marriage Consultation NPO here and explore Castanet's services here.