Testing google interfaces modified for the blind

ABSTRACT

We present the results of a research project focus on improving the usability of web search tools for blind users who interact via screen reader and voice synthesizer. In the first stage of our study, we proposed eight specific guidelines for simplifying this interaction with search engines. Next, we evaluated these criteria by applying them to Google UIs, re-implementing the simple search and the result page. Finally, we prepared the environment for a remote test with 12 totally blind users. The results highlight how Google interfaces could be improved in order to simplify interaction for the blind.

References

1. Andronico P., Buzzi M., Castillo, C., Leporini B. Improving Search Engine Interfaces for Blind Users: a Case Study. To appear in UAIS Journal (2006), Springer.
2. Craven, J., Brophy, P. Non-visual access to the digital library: the use of digital library interfaces by blind and visually impaired people. Tech report, Manchester: CERLIM, 2003. http://www.cerlim.ac.uk/pubs/index.php
3. Goble C., Harper S., Stevens R. The Travails of Visually impaired Web Travellers. In Proceedings of Hypertext '00 (San Antonio, June 2000), ACM Press, 1--10.
4. Ivory, M. Y., Yu, S. Gronemyer, K. Search result exploration: a preliminary study of blind and sighted users' decision making and performance. Extended abstracts of CHI '04 (Vienna, April 2004), ACM Press, 1453--1456.

Index Terms

• Human-centered computing

  • Interaction design

    • Interaction design process and methods

      • User centered design