In today’s interconnected world, where consumers are increasingly conscious about the values upheld by the brands they support, integrating diversity and inclusion (D&I) into a company’s ethos is no longer optional; it is imperative. Embracing D&I not only creates a more just and equitable society but also catalyses building well-developed products and services that resonate with diverse consumer bases.
In a survey conducted by Deloitte, 83 per cent of respondents affirmed that they are more likely to trust a company that promotes D&I. Customers increasingly want to associate themselves with brands that align with their values.
The realm of technology is not exempted. In fact, tech continues to serve as an immutable enabler in facilitating D&I. Another survey conducted by RedThread Research on D&I tech vendors reveals promising market traction. The findings show that nearly 60 per cent of the vendors surveyed have generated revenue of over US$100,000, and more than a third of them have acquired more than 100 customers.
To adapt to the changing demands of customers, investing in technologies that improve user experiences, such as text-to-speech (TTS) technology, is crucial.
TTS provides a multisensory reading experience that combines seeing with hearing. This innovation was originally intended to eradicate accessibility barriers, a purpose it still serves that enables individuals with disabilities, non-native speakers, and seniors who face difficulties navigating complex interfaces to access digital content.
For consumer-facing brands, TTS has become increasingly popular among the younger generation, as evidenced by a 2022 survey showing that 70 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 25 viewed content with simultaneous audio and captioning “most of the time.” Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also incorporated TTS features, making it an anticipated feature across various content consumption platforms.
The benefits of TTS go beyond meeting regulatory requirements or promotional activities. It also serves as a valuable tool for faith-based apps, such as the Muslim Pro app, that cater to a global audience and aim to reach a diverse range of users.
Fostering inclusivity
Today, Islam is not only the world’s fastest-growing religion but it is projected to be the largest one by 2075. Despite technological advancements, there is still a notable absence of groundbreaking innovation that could significantly transform how Muslims practice their faith.
Also Read: How faith-based lifestyle apps can raise the bar to become super apps
In a world where many Muslims struggle to find the time and space for daily prayers and spiritual practices, TTS offers a convenient solution. For instance, Muslims who are visually impaired may require such tools to access religious texts, such as the Quran, in audio format. For us, implementing TTS is a promising step forward in this regard.
With over 148 million downloads worldwide to date, our app has demonstrated the potential of engineering to promote inclusivity and accessibility for faith-based communities. It has made great strides in reaching a global audience by incorporating the latest TTS technology for reciting Quran translation with support for over 20 languages, including Česko, Korean, Norsk, Italiano, Português, Romanian, and more.
For Muslims, prayers, known as duas and supplications, are often recited in Arabic at various times throughout the day. This makes prayers attainable to users in a user-friendly and comprehensible manner, irrespective of their proficiency in the language. This is an example of how it can be used to bridge cultural and linguistic barriers.
It is also a valuable resource for Muslims who are still learning the Arabic script. Making it available allows us to ensure that all Muslims can engage with their faith on their own terms on the go.
Whether you’re in the tech industry or not, the benefits of incorporating innovative tools are evident. As more people turn to digital tools to deepen their connection with their faith, tech companies must prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their products and services. By investing in innovative solutions like TTS, we can improve user experiences and reach a broader audience, promoting a more inclusive and accessible digital landscape.
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This article was first published on May 25, 2023
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