Evaluating the Accessibility of Online Pharmacies' Mobile Applications in Bangladesh Using Heuristic and Semiotic Analysis

Online pharmacy apps are becoming more popular in Bangladesh as people turn to digital solutions for their healthcare needs. However, if these apps are hard to use or confusing, many users may stop using them altogether. This study evaluates three widely used mobile applications Arogga, ePharma, and MedEasy - using a comprehensive, multi-method approach that includes heuristic evaluation, semiotic analysis, a WCAG 2.1 accessibility audit, lowconnectivity performance testing, and a user study involving participants with varying digital literacy and disabilities. The evaluation revealed that Arogga performed best in terms of usability, visual intuitiveness, and accessibility, while ePharma and MedEasy exhibited significant issues related to layout consistency, screen reader support, and task flow under constrained network conditions. User feedback and SUS scores further validated the expert findings, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, intuitive, and resilient app design. The study offers practical design insights for improving digital pharmacy platforms in low-resource and digitally diverse environments like Bangladesh.