Web Accessibility, Usability and Ethics

The students will examine a wide variety of issues related to the accessibility and the usability of Web interfaces. The students will also explore the ethical impact of various Web design techniques. The course is hands-on oriented: the students will apply the notions presented during the course to real-life Web interfaces provided by external companies or other partners of the NTNU.

Topics:

• Core concepts such as human-computer interaction, interaction design, user experience, and usability
• Universal design, inclusive design, and basics of web accessibility
• Disabilities and impairments
• Web accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG, ATAC, UAAG), international standards, laws, and regulations
• Assistive technologies and adaptive strategies
• Usability evaluation
• Accessibility evaluation
• Designing and developing accessible websites

Knowledge

After completing this course, the students will know:

• The key principles in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction, accessibility, and usability
• The specific challenges of current devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets)
• Which guidelines and legal requirements exist for public Web interfaces

Skills

After completing this course, the students will be able to:

• Create Web interfaces that are accessible and usable from multiple devices by multiple users
• Deal with aesthetics, usability, and ethical considerations simultaneously
• Evaluate the accessibility and usability of a Web interface

General competence

After completing this course, the students will know how to:

• Design and develop Web interfaces that are accessible, usable, and inclusive
• Discuss usability, accessibility, and ethical issues with the owners of a Web resource
• Understand which accessibility-related legal regulations apply to a certain Web interface

• Lectures
• Laboratory work with computers
• Guest(s) lectures

The course is mainly based on independent work, as well as regular supervision. In addition, some lectures will be given on topics relevant to the course project.

This course is offered to exchange students. Language of instruction is English.