Short answer
Prioritize inclusive design by ensuring all data visualizations are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users of assistive technologies.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (2022)
- Method
- Mixed-methods study (accessibility audit, online survey, contextual inquiry)
- Sample
- 127 survey respondents, 12 contextual inquiry participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A significant portion of web-based data visualizations are not accessible to users who rely on screen readers, creating barriers to understanding critical information, particularly during public health crises. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing. Using Mixed-methods study (accessibility audit, online survey, contextual inquiry) with 127 survey respondents, 12 contextual inquiry participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize inclusive design by ensuring all data visualizations are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users of assistive technologies.
Web data visualizations exclude screen reader users, hindering equitable information access.
A significant portion of web-based data visualizations are not accessible to users who rely on screen readers, creating barriers to understanding critical information, particularly during public health crises.
ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing · 2022
Key Findings
- 01Widespread accessibility issues were identified across online data visualizations.
- 02Data accessibility inequities significantly impact the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community.
- 03Screen reader users employ various strategies to access data-driven information and gain insights.
- 04There is a pressing need to improve data literacy, build confidence, and enrich methods of access for BVI users.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize inclusive design by ensuring all data visualizations are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users of assistive technologies.
How to apply
When designing or evaluating any data visualization intended for web deployment, conduct an accessibility audit using screen readers and consult with users who rely on them to identify and address barriers.
Project actions
- 01When choosing a design problem, consider if it involves presenting data.
- 02If your project involves data visualization, research accessible design techniques early on.
- 03Involve potential users with disabilities in your testing phases.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Employs a robust mixed-methods approach combining objective audits with subjective user experiences.
- +Addresses a timely and critical issue of equitable information access during a global event.
Limitations
It can be challenging to fully replicate the experience of a screen reader user without the appropriate software and training. Testing with a diverse group of users with varying levels of technical proficiency is crucial.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity is strengthened by the triangulation of data from an audit, survey, and contextual inquiry. Reliability could be enhanced by standardizing the accessibility audit checklist and the tasks given during contextual inquiries.
Think critically
Beyond screen readers, what other assistive technologies or user needs might be overlooked in the design of web data visualizations?
Design Principles
"Universal Design: Design products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."
Designers and researchers must proactively consider the needs of all users, including those with visual impairments, to ensure that information is communicated effectively and equitably. Failing to do so can lead to significant disadvantages for marginalized communities.
What This Means for Your Design
Many charts and graphs online can't be understood by people who are blind and use screen readers, making it hard for them to get important information.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of accessibility in your design process, especially if your project involves data presentation.
- 2.Use the findings to justify your design choices aimed at improving accessibility for users of assistive technologies.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights a critical gap in web data visualization accessibility, where a significant number of visualizations are not usable by individuals who rely on screen readers. This exclusion can have profound implications, particularly during periods of high information demand, such as public health crises. Therefore, in the development of [mention your design project], careful consideration has been given to implementing accessible design principles to ensure equitable access to data insights for all potential users, including those using assistive technologies.
Source
ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing
The Accessibility of Data Visualizations on the Web for Screen Reader Users: Practices and Experiences During COVID-19
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about web data visualizations exclude screen reader users, hindering equitable information access?
- Prioritize inclusive design by ensuring all data visualizations are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users of assistive technologies. Evidence: ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (2022).
- Why does "Web data visualizations exclude screen reader users, hindering equitable information access." matter for design?
- Designers and researchers must proactively consider the needs of all users, including those with visual impairments, to ensure that information is communicated effectively and equitably. Failing to do so can lead to significant disadvantages for marginalized communities.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize inclusive design by ensuring all data visualizations are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users of assistive technologies.
- What were the main findings?
- Widespread accessibility issues were identified across online data visualizations.. Data accessibility inequities significantly impact the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community.. Screen reader users employ various strategies to access data-driven information and gain insights.. There is a pressing need to improve data literacy, build confidence, and enrich methods of access for BVI users.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods study (accessibility audit, online survey, contextual inquiry) with 127 survey respondents, 12 contextual inquiry participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or evaluating any data visualization intended for web deployment, conduct an accessibility audit using screen readers and consult with users who rely on them to identify and address barriers.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on specific types of web visualizations and may not represent all data visualization formats. The experiences of participants might be influenced by their familiarity with assistive technologies and specific data domains.