About cookies on this site Our websites require some cookies to function properly (required). In addition, other cookies may be used with your consent to analyze site usage, improve the user experience and for advertising. For more information, please review your options. By visiting our website, you agree to our processing of information as described in IBM’sprivacy statement. To provide a smooth navigation, your cookie preferences will be shared across the IBM web domains listed here.
Publication
Interacting with Computers
Paper
Applying heuristics to accessibility inspections
Abstract
Accessibility heuristics have been developed to complement accessibility guidelines. The use of Web accessibility heuristics in heuristic evaluations considers a greater range of special needs, such as visual impairments to cognitive disabilities. Key advantages of heuristics are conciseness, memorability, meaningfulness and insight. The heuristics allow evaluators to understand effectively which areas of a site have accessibility issues and provide useful insight into how to create a solution. However, the heuristics will not tell evaluators whether a Web site conforms to legislation. Studies have confirmed the view that while heuristics do not substitute for expertise, they do act to cue the deeper body of knowledge defined by the guidelines. It is essential that evaluators receive accessibility education before completing a heuristic evaluation using the accessibility heuristics. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.