Short answer
Broaden the scope of user research and design considerations to encompass a more diverse range of accessibility needs beyond visual and auditory impairments.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- Academic Publication (2023)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review
- Sample
- 181 scientific papers
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Current digital media accessibility research disproportionately focuses on visual and auditory impairments, neglecting other user groups. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Academic Publication. Using Systematic literature review with 181 scientific papers, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Broaden the scope of user research and design considerations to encompass a more diverse range of accessibility needs beyond visual and auditory impairments.
Digital Media Accessibility: Prioritizing Underrepresented User Groups
Current digital media accessibility research disproportionately focuses on visual and auditory impairments, neglecting other user groups.
Academic Publication · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Research on digital media accessibility is heavily concentrated on individuals with visual impairments and d/Deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
- 02There is a significant lack of research addressing the accessibility needs of other user groups within digital audiovisual media consumption.
Application
Design takeaway
Broaden the scope of user research and design considerations to encompass a more diverse range of accessibility needs beyond visual and auditory impairments.
How to apply
When initiating a design project involving digital media, conduct a preliminary review of existing accessibility research to identify under-addressed user groups and proactively incorporate their needs into the design process.
Project actions
- 01When choosing a user group for your design project, consider if they are well-represented in existing accessibility research or if they are an underserved population.
- 02Think about how you can justify focusing on a less-researched group in your project's introduction and rationale.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review methodology.
- +Large dataset of analyzed papers providing a broad overview of the field.
Limitations
It can be challenging to recruit participants from less-researched accessibility groups, and existing research methods may not be suitable for all needs.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the systematic review depends on the rigor of the search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Validity is enhanced by the large sample size and systematic approach to data extraction and analysis.
Think critically
Given the current research focus, what ethical considerations arise when designing for digital media accessibility, and how can designers ensure they are not perpetuating existing biases?
Design Principles
"Inclusive design requires a comprehensive understanding of diverse user needs, not just the most commonly studied ones."
Designers must recognize that accessibility is not a monolithic concept. By understanding which user groups are underserved by current research, designers can proactively develop more inclusive solutions that cater to a broader spectrum of needs, thereby expanding market reach and ethical design practice.
What This Means for Your Design
Most studies on making digital videos and audio accessible focus only on people who are blind or deaf. We need more research for other people who have trouble using this media.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study to justify your choice of user group if they are not typically the focus of accessibility research, highlighting the gap you aim to address.
- 2.Use the findings to support your argument for the importance of inclusive design and the need to consider a wider range of accessibility requirements.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights a significant disparity in the focus of digital media accessibility studies, with a disproportionate amount of attention given to visual and auditory impairments. This suggests a critical need for design projects to explore and address the accessibility requirements of underrepresented user groups, thereby contributing to a more universally inclusive digital environment.
Source
Academic Publication
Accessibility Research in Digital Audiovisual Media: What Has Been Achieved and What Should Be Done Next?
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about digital media accessibility: prioritizing underrepresented user groups?
- Broaden the scope of user research and design considerations to encompass a more diverse range of accessibility needs beyond visual and auditory impairments. Evidence: Academic Publication (2023).
- Why does "Digital Media Accessibility: Prioritizing Underrepresented User Groups" matter for design?
- Designers must recognize that accessibility is not a monolithic concept. By understanding which user groups are underserved by current research, designers can proactively develop more inclusive solutions that cater to a broader spectrum of needs, thereby expanding market reach and ethical design practice.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Broaden the scope of user research and design considerations to encompass a more diverse range of accessibility needs beyond visual and auditory impairments.
- What were the main findings?
- Research on digital media accessibility is heavily concentrated on individuals with visual impairments and d/Deaf or hard of hearing individuals.. There is a significant lack of research addressing the accessibility needs of other user groups within digital audiovisual media consumption.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with 181 scientific papers.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When initiating a design project involving digital media, conduct a preliminary review of existing accessibility research to identify under-addressed user groups and proactively incorporate their needs into the design process.
- What are the limitations?
- The review's findings are limited by the scope of the analyzed literature, and the definition of 'digital audiovisual media' may vary.