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Toegankelijkheid van webformulieren voor visueel gehandicapten

Boomkamp, M.G.H. (2011) Toegankelijkheid van webformulieren voor visueel gehandicapten.

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Abstract:Over the past decade the Internet has created a new way of global communication. Initially the internet was used for e-mail and information gathering. Partly due to the rise of the so-called Web 2.0 users are increasingly sharing information and creating new forms of interaction. This interaction is possible through a variety of web applications which in the base can be seen as web forms. The Netherlands currently has between 350,000 and 600,000 people with visual impairment (Vision2020, 2008). Studies by various organizations such as stichting Accessibilty and Stichting Waarmerk Drempelvrij show that this group of blind and visual impaired people regularly face accessibility problems on the Internet. A study by Lazar et al (2007),over the frustrations of 100 blind Internet users, showed that 30.4% of their time on the Internet is wasted because of problems. The target of this research is through exploratory and qualitative research answer the following question: "Which elements/factors determine the accessibility and usability of web forms for visually impaired users?" This research is based on the Technology-to-Performance Chain (TPC) model of Goodhue and Thompson (1995). The TPC model is based on the idea that when a technique needs to have a positive impact on the performance of the user the technique should fit the task of the user. This performance impact is determined by the individual characteristics, technology characteristics, task characteristics, precursors of utilization (affect toward using, social norms, habits, facilitating conditions, expected consequences of utilization) and utilization. In this study, the Anxiety construct from Venkatesh (2000), is added to the so called precursors of utilization. Based on the first study with four respondents there is a suspicion that Anxiety affects the performance of the user. 25 visually impaired people where involved in this study (interviews and observed three tasks). These individuals are in the analysis of the results classified according to their type of vision (peripheral 9, 8 central or blind 8) and the work method (11 visual and non-visual working 14) they used while performing there tasks. The study consists of a small group of respondents, yet there has been made an attempt to reveal linkages with statistical analysis. The results of the study suggest that the visually impaired not only work non-visual but also visual. There is also a distinction in work method based on the type of view. The respondents still face many problems, many of these problems could be eliminated if developers use the WCAG, but the reality is different. Problems such as incomprehensible / missing labels, poor navigation, varying input fields and poor enlargements are no exception. This research shows that most of the earlier mentioned TPC factors affect the performance of the visually impaired user. The expected influence of anxiety seems to be minimal, the respondents are not afraid of computers, support software, training, internet or web forms. Based on the type of view or work method they use. There are slight differences noticeable, but without an up to date computer, appropriate support software, training in the use of internet and support software, confidence in the technology and regular use, web forms will never be accessible. Valid Internet users generally have difficulty in using the computer and the Internet. Visually impaired also have the problem that they work in a graphic environment with limited or no visibility on the screen and need to compensate this with high and complex technology solutions.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/60905
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