User Experience Center
Thumbnail

Case Study: Accessibility

Improving the online research process for blind and low vision users

Video: Accessibility at EBSCO

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) provides fully integrated research experience for a range of library environments, focused on content indexing and discovery including magazine and journal articles and e-books. EBSCO partnered with the UXC to evaluate the usability of their EBSCOhost® platform from the perspective of blind and low-vision users. The aim of the study was to find out what makes a great online experience for these users with the intent of improving the EBSCOhost site.

Client

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO)

Project Characteristics

Usability Studies, Accessibility

Industry

Education & Publishing

Project Goals

  • Understand what a great online experience feels like for participants.
  • Understand the story (emotion) of the participants so EBSCO can make their experience better.
  • Discover usability and accessibility findings.

Challenges

  • Designing a study that explores the emotional aspect of the online experience for blind and low version users.
  • Facilitating an effective session and a comfortable experience which incorporates each participant’s customized assistive technology.

Outcome

The study found that overall the website is performing well for blind and low vision users. The proper use of site headers and tips for individuals using screen readers helped with site navigation while a large range of content provided most users with applicable search results.

At the end of the project, the client had all of the insights that they needed to move forward with their design efforts, ensuring a consistent experience for all users, conforming to their expectations.