Improving Bookmarklet Usability in WAI Easy Checks

[KosiAsabere]

Revisiting the EOWG Usability Study on Bookmarklets

Hello everyone,

I hope you're all doing well. I'd like to revisit the usability study conducted by the EOWG during the AccessU conference in May 2023, focusing on bookmarklets. Given the passage of time since the study, it's a good idea that we reexamine these findings to determine our current status and the necessary actions.

Summary of Usability Study Findings:

Confusion and Lack of Awareness:

• Most participants (9 out of 12) were unfamiliar with bookmarklets or couldn't differentiate them from standard bookmarks, which led to confusion and ineffective use of the bookmark tool.

Technical Barriers:

• Technical challenges surfaced, such as a participant lacking a visible bookmark bar, highlighting gaps in browser settings or technical knowledge that hindered bookmarklet usage.

Misinterpretation and Pace Disruption:

• Users unfamiliar with bookmarklets experienced workflow interruptions. For instance, Participant 3, a typically fast-paced user, was noticeably slowed down by the "bookmarklet."

Desire for Clarity and Assistance:

• Many participants expressed the need for clearer explanations and step-by-step instructions for understanding bookmarklets.

Operational Challenges:

• Some participants encountered issues with basic operations like dragging the bookmarklet to their bookmark bar or were unsure how to proceed with the instructions provided.

Additional Feedback from Recent EOWG Meeting:

• During a recent EOWG meeting, one of our experienced members highlighted confusion in using the bookmark bar, particularly with dragging and dropping the bookmarklet and exposing the bookmarks bar.

Diverse Audience with Varied Skill Sets:

• Our primary users, including procurers, project managers, and educators, often lack in-depth web development knowledge. This diversity necessitates clear, simple, and non-technical instructions.

Proposal for Providing Instructions for Bookmark Bar Tools:

• Considering the results of the May 2023 usability study and the diverse needs of our audiences, I propose creating a separate, browser-independent instructions page for bookmark bar tools in WAI Easy Checks. This is especially relevant given our reliance on these tools for this resource.

Importance of Providing Instructions for Bookmark Bar Tools:

Addressing the Knowledge Gap:

• Since the usability study revealed that a significant number of users lacked awareness or struggled with the concept of bookmarklets, bridging this knowledge gap becomes our responsibility.

Responsibility as a Resource Provider:

• If bookmark bar tools are our primary testing tool, we must provide comprehensive instructions, ensuring accessibility for users of varying technical proficiency.

Proposed Solution:

Development of a Separate Instructions Page:

• Create a dedicated page offering straightforward, browser-independent instructions for using bookmark bar tools. Include clear, non-technical explanations and step-by-step instructions for both keyboard and mouse users.

Strategic Placement of Instruction Links:

• Prominently link the instructions page on the main Easy Checks page. Embed the link on each Easy Check page to keep guidance readily accessible throughout the process.

These findings from the EOWG's study highlight areas where we can enhance our approach to bookmarklets. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how we can address the bookmarklet challenge moving forward.