Understanding Blind Users' Accessibility and Usability Problems in an Online Task

We believe that Web lacks accessibility and usability, creating problems for blind user’s in online activities. Literature recognizes this problem exists, but does not explain its nature. This understanding is needed to determine accessibility and usability requirements of the Web for blind users. We examine the question: What is the nature of accessibility and usability problems blind users face in completing online tasks? Adopting a task-oriented approach, we investigate this question in the context of online assessment. Employing verbal protocol analysis, we capture evidence of problems 6 blind participants observe and experience completing online assessment. Analysis reveals two aspects of Web design that present accessibility and usability problems for blind users in performing online tasks. Our study contributes with a deep understanding about blind user’s problems due to lack of Web accessibility and usability. Future research may use this understanding to create blind user profile for online assessment applications.