Jakobstad (Finnish: Pietarsaari) is a scenic town on Finland’s west coast, founded in 1652 by Countess Ebba Brahe. Known for its rich history and bilingual culture (Swedish and Finnish), the town offers beautiful coastal landscapes, parks, and gardens. Popular attractions include the Fäboda beach area and various cultural events like Jakob’s Days.
Jakobstad is also renowned for its prestigious boatyards, Nautor Swan and Baltic Yachts, which are famous in the sailing world. The finnish association of visually impaired (www.fss.fi/noss) led by Ann-Sofie and Andreas arranged a two days workshop with a lot of the their local members. The AIGETIT team participated and got a lot of valueable feedback – part of the we like to share below:
Adapting to Limitations and the Need for Independence
Many visually impaired individuals have adjusted their ambitions based on current limitations, making it challenging to encourage them to try new solutions or think outside the box. They often rely on sighted assistance for complex online related tasks, which makes them feel dependent. The desire to be self-reliant is strong, but current technology for accessing internet often fails to support their needs effectively.
Low Technology Maturity and Digital Hesitation
A challenge (as for everyone) is the low level of computer and technology literacy, particularly among older users. This makes the leap to using digital aids quite daunting. The fear of making mistakes and encountering numerous complex options and checkboxes on websites further discourages them from embracing e-commerce and digital booking systems.
Hobbies and Information Seeking
While e-commerce poses challenges, many visually impaired individuals actively seek information online related to their hobbies. Interestingly, there is a lack of awareness or understanding of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance, which could be due to reliance on voice-over rather than screen readers.
Issues with Digital Ads and Website Updates
Digital ads, particularly take-over ads, and frequent updates or notifications on familiar websites disrupt navigation and cause significant frustration. Users often lose their way and are unsure how to proceed when sites change.
The Need for Customization
About 75% of visually impaired people have some level of vision, making it crucial to offer customizable options such as color choices (yellow, white, black) and font adjustments to cater to their specific needs. For instance, small fonts can be particularly problematic.
Popular Tools and Apps
Tools like Siri, voice-over, and Be My Eyes are widely used and appreciated. However, there is a need for better explanations of how new tools and apps differentiate and can benefit users. While many have numerous apps, getting an overview and launching them remains difficult. Mobile phones are the primary device, especially for younger users, with a notable number performing all tasks except banking on their phones.
Recommendations for Improved Accessibility tools from the days in Jacobstad
1. Enhance E-commerce Accessibility:
- Simplify the e-commerce process by minimizing complex options and checkboxes.
- Ensure websites comply with WCAG standards to improve navigability.
2. Customize User Experience:
- Provide customizable color schemes and font sizes to accommodate varying levels of vision.
- Ensure that all interactive elements are easily identifiable and accessible via voice-over and screen readers.
3. Address Digital Ads and Updates:
- Eliminate disruptive digital ads or provide ad blockers tailored for visually impaired users.
- Offer clear, accessible notifications about site updates to help users adapt quickly.
4. Improve App Navigation:
- Develop intuitive app layouts that provide an easy overview and quick access to essential functions.
- Offer voice-guided navigation to help users launch and use apps more efficiently.
Conclusion: Building an Inclusive Digital Future
By addressing these pain points and implementing the recommended solutions, we believe that AIGETIT technolog can significantly (if designed properly) improve the digital experience for visually impaired users. Enhanced accessibility, user-friendly technology, and customizable options will empower visually impaired individuals to navigate e-commerce platforms with greater confidence and independence.
Let’s commit to creating a more inclusive digital world where everyone can shop, learn, and engage without barriers.
// The AIGETIT team in Maj 2024