Researcher Advocates for Enhanced Accessibility in Online Shopping for Blind Consumers

What's Happening?

Emma Nicoson, a Google scholar and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Missouri, is working to improve the accessibility of apparel e-commerce sites for individuals with low vision and blindness. Her efforts focus on ensuring retailers use clear language and descriptions that are understandable to visually impaired consumers. Nicoson aims to hold apparel manufacturers accountable for web accessibility in line with the American Disabilities Act. She highlights Norway's leading role in enforcing digital accessibility standards and plans to further her research in Oslo with the University of Oslo's department of informatics. Nicoson emphasizes the importance of understanding the spectrum of blindness and the need for assistive technology like screen readers to enhance online shopping experiences for people with visual impairments.

Why It's Important?

Improving digital accessibility for blind and visually impaired individuals is crucial for inclusivity in the growing e-commerce sector. As online shopping continues to be a preferred method post-pandemic, ensuring that websites are accessible can significantly impact the ability of visually impaired consumers to shop independently and make informed choices. This initiative could lead to broader compliance with accessibility standards, benefiting both consumers and businesses by expanding their customer base. The research also highlights the need for industry-wide changes in how products are described and presented online, potentially influencing global standards and practices.

What's Next?

Nicoson plans to collaborate with retailers to integrate digital accessibility into their mission statements and improve product landing pages. Her research in Norway will involve working with blind computer scientists and the Norwegian Digitalization Agency to develop compliant websites. These efforts may lead to partnerships with major retailers and influence industry standards, encouraging more companies to prioritize accessibility. The ongoing research and collaboration could result in significant advancements in digital accessibility, setting a precedent for other sectors to follow.