Evaluation of Web Accessibility and Usability from Blind User's Perspective: The Context of Online Assessment

The central premise of our research is that the Web lacks accessibility and usability, creating problems for blind users in Web interactions. We want to understand the nature of accessibility and usability problems blind users face in a Web-based task. Extant literature recognizes this problem exists, but does not explain its nature. This understanding is needed to determine accessibility and usability requirements of the Web for blind users. Our research takes a task-oriented approach to develop this understanding in the context of online assessment. Employing verbal protocol analysis, we capture evidence of problems 6 blind participants observe and experience in completing the task. Analysis reveals two aspects of Web design that present accessibility and usability problems for blind users. Findings will help future research develop blind user profile for Web applications. Our study demonstrates an effective method for qualitative evaluation of Web accessibility and usability for the blind.

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