Bookshare
Challenge
Used to provide digital texts to blind readers, Bookshare.org serves a user population of 95% sighted advocates and 5% legally blind subscribers. Needs for true web-based accessibilty are obviously high and complicated by the requirement for a highly detailed user interface including subscription forms, search results, and so on.
Result
After much experimentation with screen readers and source order, accommodation was reached and has satisfied most — if not quite all — audiences. The subscription base continues to grow, both on the educational side and through legally blind readers.
Mile7 provided interaction design, usability testing, and presentation code.
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While the home page was designed primarily for sighted users, key functionality — such as log-in — is presented at the top of the page.
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Sign up forms were designed to be simple and linear.
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Search results are filterable, and are presented in two ways: A list view...
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...and a table view. Both views offer download options for several formats.
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Individual book detail pages are also simple and linear, but offer Related Searches and Reviews in addition to the book information.