Helping Low-vision and Other Users with Web Sites That Meet Their Needs: Is One Site for All Feasible?

Authors: Theofanos, Mary Frances; Redish, Janice (Ginny)

Source: Technical Communication, Volume 52, Number 1, February 2005 , pp. 9-20(12)

Publisher: Society for Technical Communication

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Abstract:

For this study, we recruited low-vision users with a variety of vision problems who need software to magnify computer text. Although we did not systematically recruit for specific vision problems, the fact that our users had different needs gave us one of the most critical insights in this study: The needs of low-vision users are too diverse for simple solutions to Web accessibility and usability.

We show a few ways in which today’s Web sites are missing the needs of all low-vision users and provide guidelines for fixing those problems. However, the diversity of vision needs and the resulting adaptations that low-vision users require mean that there are no simple solutions to making Web sites work for everyone. In this article, therefore, you will not find many simple guidelines. Instead, we raise a critical issue and suggest a “vision of the future” solution.

Document Type: Journal article

Publication date: 2005-02-01

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Technical Communication, the Society's journal, publishes articles about the practical application of technical communication theory and serves as a common arena for discussion by practitioners. Technical Communication includes both quantitative and qualitative research while showcasing the work of some of the field's most noteworthy writers. Among its most popular features are the helpful book reviews. Technical Communication is published quarterly and is free with membership.
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