Evaluation of a web based information system for blind and visually impaired students: A descriptive study

Abstract

In this study the usability of two versions of a web based electronic list of literature and information system for blind and visually disabled people were evaluated. Because of the access possibilities of the focus group the applicability for a speech controlled Interface (screen reader, speech controlled web browser) were one point of interest. Furthermore there was focus on the integration of different methods of usability testing to meet the special interests of blind and visually impaired students. These methods were an experimental observation, as well as the collection of subjective user data in an interview and questioner. This paper discusses the influence of characteristics of html-based systems like the link structure and the depth of the indexes on several measures of usability. Because of the results, directions for further research will be presented. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.