We have different users with different needs. They include:

• Novice and expert users
• Desktop and mobile users
• Users with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments
• Non-native English speakers
• Users with different cultural expectations

We want our users to have a quality experience with the library website. Remember that our users are real people with real needs. They may engage in the research process or they may be in search of “good enough." Our users also come from a variety of diverse populations. They are all using the library website to get their work done.

COGNITIVE LOAD

Cognitive load is the amount of information a person can process at a given time. The more choices we have, the harder it is to make a decision.

By offering lots of “just-in-case” content, we make it harder for the most of our users who do not have advanced needs.

READING BEHAVIOR

Users rarely read every word on a page. They scan looking for the piece of information they need or they skim to understand the gist. On average, users only read about 28% of words on a webpage. 

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Sighted users are able to scan a webpage and process the information they need. Many of our users use assistive technologies to help navigate webpages. Screen readers read the contents of a webpage aloud. Braille displays translate webpages into braille. Zoomed-in displays make text readable for low-vision users. Dyslexic fonts enable dyslexic users to read long passages. Users with motor disabilities may use a keyboard to navigate, rather than a mouse. 

If our website works with assistive technologies, we make it easier for everyone to use. Make sure to consider the user's perspective when designing or creating content.

Demo of a screen reader in action.

Screen reader users often navigate a webpage using the following techniques:

• Use the tab key to jump to each element on a page for the screen reader to read through.
• Pull up a list (or tab through) all the headings for the screen reader to read through.
• Pull up a list (or tab through) all the links on a page for the screen reader to read through.
• Ask their screen reader to read everything on the page from beginning to end.

Want more? The Nielsen Norman Group report on accessibility includes demonstrations of assistive technology.