Hypothesis #1
The Web is becoming increasingly ubiquitous:
- Mobile technologies
- Technology convergence
- The Web is everywhere
Hypothesis #2
The Web is becoming increasingly complex:
- Sophisticated formats
- Client-side processing
- User interface interaction
Hypothesis #3
The Web is becoming increasingly essential:
- Education
- Workspace
- Civic participation
- Entertainment
Accessibility Challenges
- Separate requirements from format: WCAG 2.0
- Provide API for Web applications: WAI-ARIA
- Improve behaviour of user agents: UAAG 2.0
- Help generate accessible content: ATAG 2.0
Example: Blog Tools
Blog software is essentially an authoring tool
- ...that extends user agent functionality
- ...and vice-versa
The Problem is...
- Developers must reinvent the wheel
- Little time left for accessibility
Opportunity: Business Case
Added benefits of implementing accessibility is a better reach to:
- Mobile Web users
- Elderly Web users
(there are many other benefits too)
Mobile Web Users
- Rapidly growing community
- Often high purchasing power
- Related to accessibility
- Well-received by developers
Elderly Web Users
- Rapidly growing community
- Often high purchasing power
- Related to accessibility
- ...but well understood?
WAI-AGE Project
Objectives of the project:
- Better understand the needs
- Work with the ageing community
- Develop educational resources
- Pursue standards harmonization
Literature Review
Over 100 scientific papers and articles reviewed:
- Needs not well understood by industry
- Needs not well understood by users
- Often don't build on previous work
- Some reflect lack of technical knowledge
Finding #1
Many requirements are indeed similar:
- Colour contrast and font size
- Navigation and orientation
- Predictability and tolerance
- Links, headings, consistency, ...
Finding #2
Many requirements are general usability:
- Low computer literacy issues
- Lack of awareness for solutions
- Overwhelmed by functionality
Finding #3
Some requirements could be enhancements:
- Font and alignment
- Design and layout
- Simplified Browsers
Finding #4
Some requirements are more common:
- Less use of assistive technologies
- Often progressive deterioration
- Often multiple functional limitations
Potential Results
Literature review could contribute to the discussion of:
- Boundaries between usability and accessibility
- Needs of people with cognitive disabilities
- Role of user agents in Web accessibility
Conclusions
When surfers become authors and designers:
- Authoring tools must provide more support
- User agents must provide even more support
- Accessibility must be an integral part
Before I close...
More information on the WAI-AGE Project:
