Accessibility
for EBSCO
Improving the online research process for no and low vision individuals.
The Outcome
Although the site was largely technically compliant, a number of recommendations were given to the client around specific site features that could be altered to improve the research experience for no and low vision users.
The Challenge
Develop an online research experience that goes beyond basic accessibility standards to create a truly equitable experience for all users.
Project Overview
EBSCO, a leading provider of research databases and content, partnered with the Bentley User Experience Center (UXC) to evaluate the usability of their EBSCOhost platform from the perspective of low vision and no vision users. Specifically, EBSCO wanted to:
Understand what a great online experience feels like for no and low vision users.
Understand user emotion throughout the research process for this user group.
Unearth both usability and accessibility findings.
Approach
Client kick-off > identify research questions > protocol development > one-on-one interviews > data analysis > final report
The sample was made up of representative individuals including eight no and low vision individuals who were either currently enrolled at a local university or were recent graduates. The study was conducted in the UXC’s usability lab as one-on-one interviews. This dynamic allowed for greater depth and detail in participant stories.
A semi-structured test script was used through the study in which participants were asked to think of a recent research experience to serve as their scenario and jumping off point for our discussion. This made the study more realistic and comfortable for participants as they could talk through a lived experience.
Findings
*Note: Detailed findings of this research are under NDA
Visually impaired students have the same needs as their peers
Visually impaired students visit the same websites as their peers (Google, Wikipedia, Amazon, etc.) and their wants and needs are also similar. They look for a simple search page, relevant resources and an easy way to save documents.
Though technically compliant, specific site features were challenging for this group to navigate
Though many site features were technically compliant, they were challenging for visually impaired users to navigate and design alterations were recommended.