Survey model of the information behavior seeking in the web for people with visual impairment

Abstract

This article presents a study on the use of the Internet for People with Visual Impairment (PVI). The objective is to consider a model of survey of the behavior of search and use of the information in the Web for PVI through the identification of motivators for the process of search, factors that influence in the interface between the PVI and the contents in the Internet and elements for the identification of the standardized access. The used method was the revision of literature with focus in the studies of the Behavior in the information seeking (James Krikelas), Process of information seeking (Carol C. Kuhlthau) and of the Informational Behavior (Tone D. Wilson). The validation of the considered model was by means of the accomplishment of an exploratory research through interviews with blind people that it made possible to collect the opinions and experiences of these Web users and to identify barriers of access and good practices. As a result, this work considered a model of survey with composed systemic vision for necessities/motivators and intervening factors (Inputs), the way the user processes the information (processing), and the answers, action and reactions front to the accessed information (outputs), based in the concepts of Universal Access and Accessibility. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.