Understanding Blind Users’ Web Accessibility and Usability Problems

Authors

Rakesh Babu, The University of North Carolina - GreensboroFollow
Rahul Singh, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USAFollow
Jai Ganesh, Infosys Technologies LimitedFollow

Abstract

Our motivation for this research is the belief that blind users cannot participate effectively in routine Web-based activities due to the lack of Web accessibility and usability for non-visual interaction. We take a cognitive, user-centered, task-oriented approach to develop an understanding of accessibility and usability problems that blind users face in Web interactions. This understanding is critically needed to determine accessibility and usability requirements for non-visual Web interaction. We employ verbal protocol analysis for an in-depth examination of difficulties participants face in completing an online assessment through a course management system. We analyze the problems that hinder accessibility and usability and explain the nature of these problems in terms of design principles. Our study contributes an effective method for qualitative evaluation of Web accessibility and usability. Our findings will guide future research to develop more accessible and usable Web applications for blind users.

Recommended Citation

Babu, R., Singh, R., & Ganesh, J. (2010). Understanding Blind Users’ Web Accessibility and Usability Problems. AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction, 2(3), 73-94. Retrieved from https://aisel.aisnet.org/thci/vol2/iss3/1
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