Literature Review of Computer Tools for the Visually Impaired: a focus on Search Engines

TL;DR

This paper reviews existing search engine tools designed for visually impaired users, highlighting current accessibility challenges and providing insights and recommendations for future inclusive web browsing solutions.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive analysis of accessible search engine tools for the visually impaired and suggests design considerations for future development.

Findings

Many tools lack full accessibility features

Current search engines often do not meet visually impaired users' needs

Recommendations for improving accessible search engine design

Abstract

A sudden reliance on the internet has resulted in the global standardization of specific software and interfaces tailored for the average user. Whether it be web apps or dedicated software, the methods of interaction are seemingly similar. But when the computer tool is presented with unique users, specifically with a disability, the quality of interaction degrades, sometimes to a point of complete uselessness. This roots from one's focus on the average user rather than the development of a platform for all (a golden standard). This paper reviews published works and products that deal with providing accessibility to visually impaired online users. Due to the variety of tools that are available to computer users, the paper focuses on search engines as a primary tool for browsing the web. By analyzing the attributes discussed below, the reader is equipped with a set of references for existing applications, along with practical insight and recommendations for accessible design. Finally, the necessary considerations for future developments and summaries of important focal points are highlighted.