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First Impressions: Empirically Evaluating the Initial Website Experiences Encountered by Visually Impaired Users

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Bibliographic Details
Title: First Impressions: Empirically Evaluating the Initial Website Experiences Encountered by Visually Impaired Users
Language: English
Authors: Elyssa Rachelle Morissette
Source: ProQuest LLC. 2024Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
Availability: ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 161
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Descriptors: Visual Impairments, Web Sites, Usability, Use Studies, Computer Attitudes, Design Preferences, Individual Needs, Barriers, Accessibility (for Disabled), Design Requirements, Sensory Aids
ISBN: 979-83-8434-012-6
Abstract: As the internet increases in size, our body of research into what visitors prefer for website design is leaving out a growing group of people. Those with visual impairments are one of the fastest growing minorities with a disability online. This extremely under-studied group uses the internet for as many different purposes as sighted users do, but comparatively little is known about their preferences or experiences online. This qualitative study is intended to serve as an initial exploration to increase understanding and serve as a foundation for future research. Using a blend of grounded theory, thematic analysis, and content analysis techniques, it focuses on the interactions blind and low vision visitors have when visiting websites for the first time. To accomplish this, 31 individuals with vision levels falling on the blind or low vision spectrum were interviewed about their online experiences. It examines the problems they encounter that detract from their experience of the site, possibly causing them to leave immediately or discourage them from using the site further. Divided into structural, content, and ad-related issue categories, the issues reported by both low vision and blind participants are compared within each group and to each other for commonalities and differences. Finally, the reported issues are compared to the currently accepted accessibility guidelines to evaluate how well the guidelines cover the issues. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Access URL: https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:31358036
Accession Number: ED661347
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:As the internet increases in size, our body of research into what visitors prefer for website design is leaving out a growing group of people. Those with visual impairments are one of the fastest growing minorities with a disability online. This extremely under-studied group uses the internet for as many different purposes as sighted users do, but comparatively little is known about their preferences or experiences online. This qualitative study is intended to serve as an initial exploration to increase understanding and serve as a foundation for future research. Using a blend of grounded theory, thematic analysis, and content analysis techniques, it focuses on the interactions blind and low vision visitors have when visiting websites for the first time. To accomplish this, 31 individuals with vision levels falling on the blind or low vision spectrum were interviewed about their online experiences. It examines the problems they encounter that detract from their experience of the site, possibly causing them to leave immediately or discourage them from using the site further. Divided into structural, content, and ad-related issue categories, the issues reported by both low vision and blind participants are compared within each group and to each other for commonalities and differences. Finally, the reported issues are compared to the currently accepted accessibility guidelines to evaluate how well the guidelines cover the issues. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ISBN:979-83-8434-012-6