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Enhancing Web Accessibility for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Model for Text Descriptions on E-Commerce Product Pages

Satheesh, Vyshnavi (2025) Enhancing Web Accessibility for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Model for Text Descriptions on E-Commerce Product Pages. [MRP]

Item Type: MRP
Creators: Satheesh, Vyshnavi
Abstract:

Typically, blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals who browse e-commerce product pages use assistive technology to decode the information on these pages. In the absence of information indicating visual properties, such as the colour name, a BLV user is inadequately informed about and often exits the webpage unable to make a purchase decision. Alternatively, they might resort to asking a friend to decipher visual information by adding a product to their digital cart and reviewing it with them later. Both of these scenarios present a problem of the inaccessibility of decipherable sensory cues and specifications for product information pages on the web. From the initial semi-structured interviews, this study identified three main themes (missing visual properties and cues, the role of a friend in purchasing decisions, and accessibility for social inclusion) in the shopping experiences of BLV users. By conducting a series of case studies, co-design sessions, and product description evaluations informed by user testing and agile iterations, aspects of product descriptions were understood to a) provide useful descriptive information for understanding the details on the product webpage and b) ideate a model that could provide the participants with agency and confidence in their purchase decision.

Date: 30 April 2025
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Inclusive Design
Date Deposited: 12 May 2025 13:25
Last Modified: 12 May 2025 13:25
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/4788

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