SayPro Conduct User Testing: Test the website with users who have visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities from SayPro Monthly January SCMR-17 SayPro Monthly Inclusive Design: Ensure the site is accessible to users with disabilities by SayPro Online Marketplace Office under SayPro Marketing Royalty SCMR
Objective:
The purpose of this user testing process is to assess the accessibility and usability of the SayPro Online Marketplace website, specifically targeting users with various disabilities (visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive) to ensure it is inclusive and functional for all. This testing process is a crucial part of SayPro’s commitment to creating a digital experience that adheres to the principles of inclusive design.
Steps for Conducting User Testing:
1. Preparation for User Testing
- Define the Testing Goals:
The testing will focus on ensuring the website is usable by people with different disabilities (visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive). The primary goal is to identify any barriers that would prevent users from interacting with the website, completing transactions, or enjoying a smooth browsing experience. - Develop a Testing Plan:
The plan should detail:- The scope of the testing.
- Specific disabilities targeted (visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive).
- The methods of evaluation, such as observation, interviews, surveys, and analytics.
- Accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG 2.1) to follow.
- Recruit Participants with Disabilities:
Ensure that the users chosen for testing represent a diverse range of disabilities. This group should be composed of individuals with:- Visual disabilities: Blind, low vision, colorblind, etc.
- Auditory disabilities: Deaf, hard of hearing, etc.
- Motor disabilities: Limited use of hands or arms, limited dexterity, etc.
- Cognitive disabilities: Dyslexia, learning difficulties, memory impairment, etc.
- Assistive Technology & Tools:
Provide the necessary assistive tools for participants to use during the test. This may include:- Screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA) for visually impaired users.
- Speech-to-text software for motor-impaired participants.
- Subtitles and/or transcription for audio content.
- Cognitive aids (e.g., simplified instructions, visual clues).
2. Test Scenarios and Tasks
Develop scenarios and tasks that simulate real user interactions with the website. These tasks should be designed to test various aspects of accessibility, such as:
- For Visual Disabilities:
- Navigating the website using screen readers.
- Ensuring that the website is fully navigable using keyboard-only commands.
- Verifying that all images have descriptive alt text.
- Ensuring text contrasts are high enough for users with low vision.
- Testing zoom functionality without breaking page layouts.
- For Auditory Disabilities:
- Ensuring all audio content is accompanied by text (subtitles, transcripts).
- Testing for visual indicators when sound is involved (e.g., video captions, alerts).
- Verifying that important content is not solely delivered through audio.
- For Motor Disabilities:
- Ensuring that the website can be navigated using only a keyboard.
- Testing that buttons, links, and forms are accessible and large enough to interact with using assistive technology or devices like a mouse alternative.
- Checking for touch targets on mobile devices and verifying that they meet recommended size standards.
- Verifying that the website is responsive on various devices, ensuring that no actions require complex gestures.
- For Cognitive Disabilities:
- Ensuring that content is clear, simple, and easy to understand.
- Verifying that instructions and navigation are straightforward and provide contextual help if necessary.
- Ensuring that users can easily find and use important features like the shopping cart and checkout.
- Testing if the design reduces cognitive load by having an intuitive layout and consistent design elements.
3. Conducting User Testing
- Onboarding and Briefing: Begin by explaining the goals and process of the testing to the participants. Make sure to give clear instructions on how to interact with the website using their specific assistive technology or devices. Encourage them to think aloud during the test to provide insights into their experiences.
- Execution of Tasks:
Each participant will complete a set of predefined tasks. As they interact with the site, observe their actions and record their feedback. Encourage them to express any challenges or frustrations they experience during navigation. For example:- For a user with a visual disability, ask them to browse a product page using a screen reader and attempt to complete a purchase.
- For a motor-impaired participant, ask them to fill out a form or search for a product using only keyboard shortcuts or voice commands.
- For a cognitively impaired user, ask them to add an item to the shopping cart, proceed to checkout, and make a purchase.
4. Data Collection and Analysis
- Observation:
Observe the users’ behaviors, including the time it takes them to complete tasks, any errors they make, and their level of comfort or frustration. Use this observational data to identify pain points or barriers. - Surveys/Interviews:
After completing tasks, ask participants about their experiences. You could use open-ended questions such as:- “Was the website easy to navigate?”
- “Did you encounter any challenges when completing a task?”
- “Is there any part of the site that you found confusing or difficult to use?”
- Screen Recording and Analytics:
Use tools to record the participants’ screens and actions. This helps you track their interactions with the website and identify any issues they encountered, particularly if they’re using assistive technologies. Web analytics tools can also provide data on where users dropped off or spent too much time.
5. Identifying Issues and Recommendations
After gathering all the data, compile a list of accessibility issues and categorize them based on their severity and impact. Some common issues to look for include:
- Visual Accessibility:
- Missing or incorrect alt text for images.
- Poor contrast between text and background.
- Missing headings or improper heading structures.
- Auditory Accessibility:
- No subtitles or transcripts for multimedia content.
- Alerts or messages that rely on sound alone.
- Motor Accessibility:
- Small or improperly spaced clickable elements.
- Difficulty navigating using keyboard-only or assistive devices.
- Non-responsive touch targets on mobile devices.
- Cognitive Accessibility:
- Overly complex language or instructions.
- Lack of visual cues or inconsistent navigation.
- Unclear process for completing tasks (e.g., purchasing an item).
Based on the severity of the issues identified, provide specific recommendations for fixing these problems, such as:
- Adding keyboard navigation support.
- Implementing clear visual indicators and readable fonts.
- Providing detailed alternative text for images and multimedia.
- Simplifying language and instructions for users with cognitive disabilities.
6. Iterating and Refining
After implementing the necessary changes based on user feedback, conduct further testing to ensure the adjustments have addressed the identified issues. Continuous refinement of the website ensures that the user experience remains accessible over time.
7. Reporting and Documentation
Create a comprehensive report detailing the findings from the user testing, including:
- A summary of participant profiles and assistive technologies used.
- A list of identified accessibility issues and their impact on users.
- Recommendations for fixing the issues and improving the website’s overall accessibility.
- A timeline for implementing the changes and re-testing.
The goal of this user testing is to provide a fully inclusive and user-friendly experience on the SayPro Online Marketplace website for all users, regardless of their disabilities. This effort is aligned with SayPro’s commitment to supporting all customers and stakeholders by adhering to best practices in inclusive design.