In October 2024, we launched our first-ever AppleVis Community Survey. The purpose of the survey was to seek your feedback about your experience using AppleVis and how we can serve you better in the coming year.
Our partnership with Be My Eyes has opened up opportunities to grow the AppleVis website in new and exciting ways that were previously out of reach for us. In this post, we wanted to give you an overview of the survey results and a sneak peek at where AppleVis is going next.
The 2024 AppleVis Community Survey ran from October 7, 2024 to October 21, 2024. The survey was 10 questions in length and covered the following topics:
- Respondents’ overall experience using AppleVis and the resources we offer;
- The editorial content we produce regarding Apple software and hardware releases;
- The climate/tone on our forums and other discussion areas of the website;
- Respondents’ ideas for possible new website features in 2025;
- Respondents’ likeliness to recommend AppleVis to people who are blind, DeafBlind, or who have low vision; and
- Any other feedback respondents would like to provide to our leadership team
Below is a summary of the results from the 2024 AppleVis Community Survey:
- 96% of respondents are satisfied with their overall experience using AppleVis.
- 94% of respondents are satisfied with the editorial content (blogs and podcasts) AppleVis produces regarding software and hardware releases.
- 72% of respondents are satisfied with the climate/tone on our forums and other discussion areas of the website.
- Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 90. NPS is expressed as a simple number (rather than a percentage) and the score can range from -100 to 100, with higher numbers being more favorable.
While the numerical data we gathered is helpful, we found the feedback we received to be particularly insightful and informative. Below is a summary of the feedback we received:
- By far, the most-requested new feature is an AppleVis app. While a full-fledged AppleVis app is not something we are able to deliver in the short-to medium-term, it is an idea that we would love to see become a reality in the future. For an AppleVis app to provide a good user experience, it would need to be fully integrated into our site’s content management system and would need to offer all of the functionality of the website. Thus, an app would require significant development and ongoing maintenance. One similar idea that was recommended by several users is for AppleVis to be integrated into the Service Directory in the Be My Eyes app, allowing users to chat with the AI assistant and obtain answers directly from AppleVis.
- Other ideas for new features include integrating AI-powered functionality into the website, providing a way for users to more easily report bugs to Apple, adding a "like" or "thanks" button to the forums, monthly live Q&A sessions, one-on-one trainings, and various changes to navigation and the functionality of the site--just to name a few.
- We received a wealth of input on how we can improve our editorial coverage of Apple software and hardware releases. Many respondents requested more written content, particularly as it relates to using features of Apple software and changes in updates. The need for podcast transcripts was identified by multiple respondents, and AppleVis offers AI-generated transcripts of podcast episodes through the use of Aiko, a free transcription service.
- The need for additional coverage of some of Apple’s platforms was also something that was identified by both survey participants and by our team, even before the survey was launched. We have added a new member to our team to support our watchOS testing efforts, and we have an exciting initiative to be announced in the coming weeks that we think will help everyone be better informed about accessibility bugs in Apple software. Covering some of the lesser-used platforms (like tvOS or visionOS) is more of a challenge, but it is something that we will continue to work towards as opportunities present themselves. In the future, we also hope to be able to offer more reporting on accessibility bugs affecting people who have low vision.
- The climate and tone on discussion areas of the site is something that we have been working to improve after the site’s near-closure in July 2024. While a number of respondents expressed continued concerns regarding negativity and various types of discourtesy on the site, multiple people shared that they have noticed an improvement in this area since the site reopened. Content moderation is a community effort, and we appreciate everyone’s willingness to follow our posting guidelines.
- Making AppleVis a welcoming place for all extends beyond the discussion areas of the website. In response to both user and team feedback, we are actively exploring ways to diversify our team and elevate the voices and lived experiences of underrepresented people groups in our community. We are also currently working through the details and logistics of making AppleVis content available in more languages.
In closing, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the 2024 AppleVis Community Survey. Your openness and honesty is appreciated, and your feedback and input inspires our community forward.
Comments
More representation
I had used this web page and find the resources helpful and the people who run it very supported and friendly. Saying that, can not believe there are no other people who could be part of the monthly podcast besides us men. Even when Randy needed to leave and other took his place there was no women. I could not believe there are no capable women who have knowledge about iOS or apple products. Yes once in a blue moon a woman put a podcast on this web page but talking about podcast such as the monthly one. Again Like the guise and they are cool and friendly but can not notice this. This is coming up from a Latino man.
Thanks for This
More minority representation on the team would be great, but I know that takes time and effort. I for one am all for it though. But I greatly appreciated the opportunity to take this survey. As previously stated, AppleVis has been a huge help to me and I cannot wait to see what's coming.
diversity
I must say, when I filled in the Applevis survey, diversity and there being no women on the Applevis team was the last thing on my mind. I say this as a woman. I come here for good quality content, and I don't care who writes it.! It would be cool if a woman or two was on the Applevis team, but if not, no worries. As a woman, I've never felt excluded or unwelcome on this site. I don't mind what gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion somebody is as long as they can produce good content. I hope Applevis doesn't put having a diverse team over quality. It should be about the best person for the job, and not whether somebody is a person of colour, LGBT or female. All these factors are irrelevant.
Tara
Tara it is an observation as a man. It is not about what you stated. More power to you if that is what you think. I just find it curious that there was none. I am sure there are many capable and apple and PC knowledge.
To Holger
Hi Holger,
Thank you for your feedback on this. We want everyone, regardless of gender or any other characteristic, to be and feel welcome on AppleVis; and this includes on our podcast as hosts. While I do not feel it would be appropriate for me to go into specifics, I can say that we share your concerns and have actively tried to address them when recruiting hosts for Apple Crunch (formerly AppleVis Unleashed). Diversity is an ongoing commitment, and we will continue to look for opportunities to lift up the voices and lived experiences of marginalized people in our community.
This is great
Hi Community,
This is great hopefully we see these features roll out over the coming year.
I'm more interested in the…
I'm more interested in the topic than making a direct comment here but, when there is already a minority, voiceover users, I'm imagining there is a restricted pool of tallent already from which picking diversity becomes more difficult. A more interesting question is, how many female voiceover users are there and how many are interested in contributing on a more professional basis.
I'd like to think the overarching ethos of this site is already inclusivity, we've sat outside that party for long enough, so hopefully the doors are already open, it's just getting the people in, should they want to.
Saying all that, from a consumers perspective, it would be nice to have a varied team presenting as there are going to be use cases that vary between users and with greater variation in contributions, it's more likely us consumers find someone to identify with.
I'm not entirely sure if there is a masculine or feminine way of using apple products, I'd be interested to know.
Again, no comment here, more of a curiosity.
Also, thank you for doing the survey. the forum has certainly felt more civil since its return. All it took was taking our toys!
Volunteers
Keep in mind, the editorial staff is made up of volunteers. I assume there are no women who are willing to volunteer for the editorial staff at this time. I don't believe there is any conscious exclusion of women on the staff. I agree with Tara, quality and expertise are what's important. Gender isn't a factor.
Applevis so appreciated!
I found out that Applevis had re-opened and I'm so glad! I've learned a lot through the years from podcasts and extras as well as the community. Sorry I missed the survey. I look forward to what's coming on this site and appreciate so much that it's here! Keep up the good work!