In recent user testing with a range of participants including Visually Impaired (VIP) and Blind users we found that the majority of problems were common across all groups. However the effect of poor usability is more severe for users with visual disabilities. Surprisingly all of the issues are very familiar and are easy to fix so we thought we’d revisit some of the basics of accessible web design.
All users explore a webpage in a similar manner. Attention is focused on the headings and links on a page. However there are differences. People using screen readers can extract all the headings or links on a page into a single list and then read down through them. This of course means that they do not receive any of the supporting information such as graphics, the prominence given to an item or the accompanying text associated with a heading or link which a sighted user will quickly scan to gain more information about a heading or link. It is therefore extremely important that headings and links are implemented correctly if a webpage is to be accessible.
When users are looking for specific information they often try the site search function after a brief scan of the available options. VIP and Blind users are generally more likely to try searching as they have more difficulty scanning through text content.
Make Headings and Links Self Explanatory
As the only information a screen reader user will receive on a heading or link is the name of that item, it is essential that the name is completely self explanatory and does not require additional information to make sense of it. It is also vital the language used is plain and understandable and uses familiar terminology. Failure to do this means that certain users will not be able to gain access to information on the website.
Screen readers rely on the correct use of the HTML heading mark-up differentiate headings from the surrounding text. It is essential that the headings are marked-up correctly rather than formatted using bold text and a larger in font size.
Because VIP and Blind users rely more on the search function than sighted users it is essential to have an effective search. The results returned from a search must be relevant and text of the results must clearly describe the target page. It is also very important that information on the number of results obtained and the number shown on the page is provided to the user.
Clear descriptive language and correct use HTML mark-up are STILL the key factors in real world website accessibility and usability.
The Benefits of Viewing User TestsThe benefits of user testing have long been established. It is still important however to try and maximise these benefits. One way in which this can be done is by viewing the user test yourself.
The Experience is KeyIt is important to remember that the experience a person has using a product or service is every bit as important as that product or services usability.
The Advantages and Limitations of Focus Groups in the Design ProcessFocus groups are a great way to collect information from several people very quickly and cost effectively. They are mainly used to gauge people’s reactions and feelings to items, however when used appropriately they can also be used as part of user requirements gathering.
Five Rules For Better Bank WebsitesInternet banking is here to stay and the major banks are all busy figuring out how to expand their business online. Online banking is all about convenience and functionality but what about the bank’s public website? It is often a struggle to achieve the right balance between information and product sales, between user functionality and marketing requirements.
Webpage Layout: Right Hand Side BlindnessIn several recent websites we have user tested, the site designers have placed important task critical links and information on the right hand side (RHS) of three column page layouts. The user testing was conclusive, users ignore any information presented on the RHS. We think this is a similar effect to the well documented banner blindness. It is essential to ensure that import links or information is not positioned on the RHS as they will surely be ignored.
