The purpose of this paper is to describes the methods and findings of two research projects undertaken to explore user behaviour and usability issues relating to the use of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describes the methods and findings of two research projects undertaken to explore user behaviour and usability issues relating to the use of Web‐based resources by people with disabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
Whilst the aims of the research differed, the methods adopted were similar – including observation, talk aloud protocols, questionnaires and focus groups.
Findings
The findings from both studies provided evidence of the problems faced by disabled users when using Web‐based resources. It provided evidence of the types of features users liked and disliked, how they overcame navigational problems and what types of features enhanced their experience, all of which can be fed back into recommendations for the design of electronic resources.
Practical implications
The richness of the data collected for both studies confirmed the importance of involving users in accessibility and usability assessments. Analysis of both the findings and the methods for both studies also enabled a checklist to be developed, outlining issues that should be taken into consideration when planning a usability test.
Originality/value
Document analysis of past and current usability studies revealed that suggested methods are often directed more towards expert usability testing, rather than managing the user testing in‐house. Although it may be preferable to engage an expert, in reality practical guidance is also needed. The checklist aims to address gaps in usability advice identified, by providing practical guidance to enable providers and developers of web‐based resources to conduct their own effective usability testing.
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Jenny Craven, Frances Johnson and Geoff Butters
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usability of the user interface to an online catalogue and to explore how user assessment of both system usability and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usability of the user interface to an online catalogue and to explore how user assessment of both system usability and functionality can provide recommendations for the improved design.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on previous studies, the usability testing used a mixture of search tasks, interviews and a structured focus group. Representative users completed tasks designed to test the system's features and a “think aloud” protocol collected data about the users' responses when using the system and on its perceived functionality.
Findings
The analysis of the data on users' evaluation, preferences and expectations by a set of usability attributes enabled recommendations to be made with respect to key areas of the system functionality.
Practical implications
The usability study helped to improve the “look and feel” of the interface and demonstrates how the user expectation of what constitutes a supported experience can help make recommendations for the design of a system that is both usable and useful.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates the benefits of using a mixture of approaches to test system usability and to gain a better understanding of usability from the perspective of the system's users, their expectations and perceived usefulness of the system.
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Jenny Craven and Annika Nietzio
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe research undertaken for the European Internet Accessibility Observatory (EIAO) project. It aims to demonstrate how, using a…
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe research undertaken for the European Internet Accessibility Observatory (EIAO) project. It aims to demonstrate how, using a task‐based approach, statistical measures can be applied to an initial assessment of a web site's accessibility, which could then be applied to further assessments to provide an evolving picture of the ongoing accessibility of a web site. Design/methodology/approach – Task‐based assessments were used to assess the accessibility of web sites, using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The findings from this approach were mapped onto a probabilistic model, developed to assess the probability of an accessibility barrier relating to a specific feature or features of a web site. Findings – The paper finds that providing participants with a task instead of allowing them to randomly explore and evaluate a web site yielded more comparable results. For the EIAO project team, the benefit of the task‐based approach was that it allowed them to compare the user testing results with the results of the automated testing tool developed by the project. From the aggregation models included in the analysis, the most appropriate model and parameters were selected, and adjustments were made according to the comparison outcome. Research limitations/implications – Due to resource limitations and efficiency requirements, the assessments undertaken were limited to automatic evaluation, which could also be tested by the users. Therefore not all accessibility barriers in a web site could be identified. Despite this, it is felt that the outcome of the automatic analysis can be utilised as indicator for the overall accessibility of the web site. Originality/value – This paper provides a framework for web designers, commissioners, and policy makers to undertake a user focussed assessment of the accessibility of their web sites, which could be used in conjunction with other assessment methods.
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The aim of the Longitude II project is to design and produce a web‐based toolkit which can be adopted by all UK public library authorities to evaluate the longitudinal impact of…
Abstract
The aim of the Longitude II project is to design and produce a web‐based toolkit which can be adopted by all UK public library authorities to evaluate the longitudinal impact of their IT‐based services to end users. The seminar presentation at the PM5 conference will explain the genesis of the project, describe the research activity to date, give an analysis of interim results and explain how the project will progress. The enormous increase in IT‐based services provided by UK public libraries, supported by major national policies and by significant funding streams, is undoubtedly having an impact on end‐users. However, systematic assessment of that impact is by no means straightforward, and a number of studies have been undertaken to try to elucidate significant impact indicators. The Longitude II project, undertaken by CERLIM, will not only provide a toolkit of techniques to enable impact to be assessed, but carry out longitudinal assessment so that changes over time can be measured.
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Jonathan Willson, Jenny Craven and Richard Eskins
The purpose of this paper is to report on the web_access project, funded through the EC Lifelong Learning Programme. The paper aims to provide a context for the proposed study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on the web_access project, funded through the EC Lifelong Learning Programme. The paper aims to provide a context for the proposed study programme and describe current work in the development of the curriculum and content.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis has been undertaken of the state of the art in education and training for accessible web design in the English language, starting with the national situation in the UK and then further‐a‐field by highlighting international resources. The main outcome of the two‐year multilateral, multi‐partner project is to develop a joint study programme in accessible web design.
Findings
While there is evidence of the inclusion of design for all in ICT teaching, as well as the provision of free and commercial tutorials and workshops, analysis has found provision to be fragmented and none to date has been identified as leading to a professional qualification or certificate in accessible web design that is recognised by industry or employers. The proposed curriculum for the study programme described in this paper aims to address this issue.
Originality/value
While there is evidence of the inclusion of design for all in ICT teaching, as well as the provision of free and commercial tutorials and workshops, analysis has found provision to be fragmented and none to date has been identified as leading to a professional qualification or certificate in accessible web design that is recognised by industry or employers.
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Libraries and information services are not static entities impervious to outside influences but are dynamic and may be affected by one, or a number of factors. Changes in policy…
Abstract
Libraries and information services are not static entities impervious to outside influences but are dynamic and may be affected by one, or a number of factors. Changes in policy, for example, may impact on library and information science and to illustrate this, three key areas have been selected. These are: the establishment of a computer network in the public library sector, the promotion of a culture of lifelong learning and the development of the hybrid library. These areas, although separate, can also be seen to be interrelated and factors which affect one sector may also impact on others. This paper considers how political, social and economic factors can be major drivers of change and thus impact on the profile of libraries so that they are recognised as a valuable resource by Government and other groups such as businesses, voluntary organisations and educational providers.
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Abstract
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The purpose of this article is to examine the existing tools and guidance available to museums, archives and libraries, and then to consider new technologies such as accessible…
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the existing tools and guidance available to museums, archives and libraries, and then to consider new technologies such as accessible Portable Document Format files and additional modules for existing web development software. The article reviews current tools, standards and guidelines in accessibility such as WAI, RNIB Digital Access Campaign, Information Age Government Champions guidelines, Bobby validator, Access Adobe and the Macromedia Dreamweaver Accessibility Extension. Two Case Studies concerning accessibility are included.