Adaptive Web Interfaces for Inclusive Services: A Study on Designing for Persons with Disabilities

Abstract

Objective: In this paper, we introduce a study focused on the creation of multimodal inclusive web interfaces to foster inclusive services, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities. The primary objective of this endeavour was to develop an online platform known as SEU, which facilitates access to offline services for persons with disabilities. SEU accomplishes this by offering user interfaces that are both accessible and adaptable, catering to the diverse needs of various user profiles. Methods: A participatory design methodology was followed. Human-Computer Interaction Experts, Occupational Therapists, Accessibility Experts, and Persons with Disabilities participated actively during the creation process. A first usability study assessed the web platform regarding accessibility issues. This user study comprises two phases. In phase A, the online platform was assessed by the experts (Occupational Therapists and Accessibility Experts), and persons with disabilities tested the platform in phase B. The user study design included interviews, user observation and usability questionnaires posed after completing tasks in a controlled environment for one day. Results: The platform SEU was developed to present multimodal inclusive web interfaces, which change according to the user’s disability. Four different accessibility profiles were considered: cognitive, visual, motor, and hearing impairment. In the user study, four experts and eight end-users with distinct disabilities participated. Experts consider the platform presents important features and is very well designed, providing meaningful feedback. The results obtained with the end-users were equally positive regarding the available features and the usability of the web interfaces. Conclusions: Designing a web interface that is accessible and adaptable for users with distinct disabilities is viable and promising. The preliminary study with experts and PwD indicates they consider it an added value. However, the adaptations for users with cognitive impairments need a 1 deeper study to achieve more efficient solutions. The development of a mobile application interface was suggested by the end users, as most of them use smartphones in everyday life.