Perceptions of accessibility and usability by blind or visually impaired persons: A pilot study

This pilot study utilizes qualitative interviews to explore perceptions of accessibility and usability from the perspective of blind or visually impaired (BVI) persons. Using the frameworks of everyday life information seeking (ELIS) and the sense-making approach, this research addresses a gap in the literature; most studies with this population are either quantitative, outdated, or task-based observations. Through five in-depth interviews, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of the perceptions, experiences, and opinions of BVI persons who use screen readers with a voice synthesizer as a primary modality of interaction with web content. Understanding the information needs and information behavior of BVI persons is important for proper web design, since technical accessibility does not ensure usability. In particular, it is the perception of accessibility and usability that affects information behavior. Design must be informed by empirical research in order for it to be effective in assisting a variety of users to accomplish their information goals. Copyright 2016 Shannon M. Tomlinson, Rutgers University.