How compliance with web accessibility standards shapes the experiences of users with and without disabilities
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21642692 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Beat Vollenwyder (0000-0002-9516-2680, University of Basel, corresponding author), Serge Petralito (0000-0001-7012-1965, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland), Glena H Iten (0000-0002-5322-5401, Schwyz University of Teacher Education), Florian Brühlmann (0000-0001-8945-3273, University of Basel), Klaus Opwis (0000-0003-0509-8070, University of Basel), Elisa D Mekler (0000-0003-0076-6703, IT University of Copenhagen) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 170 |
| Pages | 102956 |
| Publication date | 2023-02-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Human-Computer Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1071-5819 • E-ISSN: 1095-9300 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2022.102956 |
| OpenAlex | W4307816316 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 7 |
| References cited | 30 |
Benefits for all user groups is one of the most prominent motivations to provide accessible information and services on the web. Designing digital technologies in a more inclusive manner for users with sensory, motor, or cognitive impairments enhances their overall quality. In practice, work on web accessibility often relies on complying with standards. But whether standards lead to improved usability and a satisfying user experience for all user groups is controversial. The present study aims at deepening our understanding of how compliance with web accessibility standards shapes the experiences of both users with and without disabilities. In a randomised controlled experiment, 66 participants with visual impairments and 65 participants without visual impairments solved tasks on an online shop built with either low (NA) or high (AA) conformance to web accessibility standards. The results show no statistically significant effects on outcomes related to usability and user experience. However, analysis of open-ended answers suggests that participants with visual impairments reported more positive experiences, and participants without visual impairments fewer negative experiences while using the online shop conformant to web accessibility standards. We therefore recommend adopting a more differentiated perspective on what can be achieved through compliance with web accessibility standards and emphasise that conformance-based approaches should be complemented with user-centred and participatory design methods. Further, since most participants reported being experienced users and an online shop is often a familiar context, more research in other settings is required
Assistive technology · Business · Human–computer interaction · Internet privacy · Web accessibility · Web Accessibility Initiative · Web application security · Web development · Web service · Web standards · World Wide Web · Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility · Computer Science · Digital Accessibility for Disabilities · Psychology · Social Psychology · Subtitles and Audiovisual Media
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| Citations per year | 7 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |