Mardé Greeff

Bio: Mardé Greeff is an academic researcher from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The author has contributed to research in topics: Interface (computing) & Project management. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 26 citations.

A lightweight methodology to improve web accessibility

Abstract: This paper introduces a methodology to improve the accessibility of websites with the use of free so-called automatic tools. The methodology has three iterative phases, namely assessing a website against accessibility guidelines, user testing and creating in-house 'guidelines' to prevent similar mistakes in future versions of the system. Aspects of accessibility addressed include the use of colour, accessibility guidelines and priorities, readability or comprehensibility, and screen reader simulators. We recommend free tools for each of these accessibility aspects and discuss the process that should be followed when evaluating a website.

Usability evaluation of the South African National Accessibility Portal interactive voice response system

Abstract: One of the most prominent problems that persons with disabilities face in South Africa, is access to relevant disability related information. To address this need the South African National Accessibility Portal (NAP Portal) was developed, that enable people with disabilities to easily get access to information. However, most people in South Africa do not have access to adequate Internet facilities. To overcome this obstacle, an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) engine was connected to the NAP Portal, which allows access to information through a telephony interface. The IVR engine and scripts guide the user through information categories on the portal to the desired information, which is then voiced out to the user. In this paper, we present the evaluation of the IVR system to determine how easy or difficult users experience the whole process of retrieving information via a telephone. A usability evaluation was performed on the current NAP IVR system. Furthermore, a heuristic evaluation was done on a new design of the NAP IVR system to determine whether the major problems, that were highlighted by an expert, are addressed in the new design. Inputs from both of these evaluations will be used to design the next version of the NAP IVR system.

Using action research for complex research initiatives

Abstract: Training methods and the transfer of knowledge and information has essentially remained unchanged for many years With the pervasiveness of information and communication technology (ICT), an opportunity has been created to fundamentally change the status quo of training This paper presents one approach of using ICT through the innovative combination of factors such as a person's abilities, styles and preferences with a multimodal interface to facilitate enhanced training However, many ways exist to guide the research process of such a complex research initiative Action research is one research method that lends itself to these complex projects The paper uses the Ability Based Technology Interventions (AbTi) research project as a case study to analyse the effectiveness of the action research methodology The paper describes the accumulated learning as obtained from the AbTi research project, as well as the action research methodology used, in order to ultimately be in a position to effect a fundamental change in training It is found that action research can be an effective methodology for research initiatives of a complex nature

Determining the user profile for an adaptable training platform

Abstract: Adaptive computer-based training systems aim to enhance the learning experience by personalising the presentation and content delivery according to the preferences of each particular user. The complexity of humans - the many factors influencing learning, from learning styles to physical abilities; and the proliferation of human-computer interface modalities - proves difficult for a system to fully determine when modelling diverse user profiles. Therefore most research has only focussed on the user's learning preferences and training via the "normal" auditory-visual channels. In this paper it is shown how a user model can be determined that includes the learning style, learning preference, abilities and the various available computing modalities. The model further incorporates how each of the elements influence each other. Such a model can be trained and expanded to allow for different training paradigms.

ACE: A Colour Palette Design Tool for Balancing Aesthetics and Accessibility

Abstract: Colour can convey a mood or elicit a particular emotion and, in terms of web design, colour can influence attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours. However, many websites demonstrate inaccessible colour choices. Numerous online colour palette design tools only focus on assisting designers with either the aesthetics or accessibility of colours. With a user-centered design approach, we developed the Accessible Colour Evaluator (ACE, daprlab.com/ace) which enhances web developers’ and designers’ ability to balance aesthetic and accessibility constraints. We distributed an online questionnaire to 28 web developers and designers to understand their attitudes and utilisation of accessibility guidelines, as well as to gather initial design requirements for ACE. With this information, we created three low-fidelity paper prototypes that were used to create two high-fidelity prototypes. The high-fidelity prototypes were discussed with 4 web developers and designers during a design workshop, and their feedback was used to develop the final version of ACE. A comparative evaluation of ACE and three existing alternative tools was conducted with 10 new web developers and designers. All participants were able to complete a colour palette design task when using ACE and identified ACE as their most preferred tool. The mean scores for the six TLX measures show ACE as providing the best performance and causing the lowest frustration. Finally, we conducted a small focus group with 3 web developers and designers to gather qualitative feedback about ACE. Participants identified a number of ACE’s strengths and made suggestions for future extensions and improvements.

Communicating Web Accessibility to the Novice Developer: From User Experience to Application

Abstract: Novice Web developers and other technical communicators need to learn not only accessibility standards but also factors that make designs usable to audiences with disabilities. One challenge of teaching accessibility to novices is creating exigency; another is emulating experiences of users with disabilities. This article tackles teaching novices to create Web sites for visually impaired audiences using a five-stage, recursive approach. Teaching best coding practices is only one stage: Instructors should create exigency by introducing real users and their experiences. They should also check for accessibility and emulate screen-reader output using tools such as WAVE and FANGS, respectively. Furthermore, novice developers should examine how different tools can be used in combination to provide a variety of feedback.

Web Accessibility Challenges

Abstract: Despite the importance of web accessibility in recent years, websites remain partially or completely inaccessible to certain sectors of the population. This is due to several reasons, including web developers’ little or no experience in accessibility and the lack of accurate information about the best ways to quickly and easily identify accessibility problems using different Accessibility Evaluation Methods (AEMs). This paper surveys accessibility literature and presents a general overview of the primary challenges of accessibility barriers on websites. In this sense, we critically investigate main challenges forms related to accessibility including standards and guidelines (WCAG 2.0), during website’s design and development and during evaluation. Finally, a set of recommendations such as enforcing accessibility legislations are presented to overcome some challenges.

Dificultades en la Accesibilidad Web de las Universidades Españolas de acuerdo a la Norma WCAG 2.0

Abstract: The purpose of the study has been to learn of possible limitations in the level of accessibility of 74 Spanish universities’ web sites. The tool, TAW, was used to detect the existing barriers in each web, based on the WCAG 2.0 regulation. After an automatic and manual review of the principles, guidelines and criteria of priority levels A and AA, a percentage analysis showed that none of the universities surpassed these aspects entirely for either of the two web pages analysed, although the university with the best accessibility on both web pages was the University of Granada, followed by the University of Alicante. The study concludes by recommending revisions and adjustments to resolve these problems and to facilitate web accessibility.