User Experience and Accessibility Challenges of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

With the increasing digitization of scholarly works, it is crucial to ensure that ETDs are designed and presented to facilitate optimal user experiences for diverse stakeholders, including students, researchers, and the wider academic community. Furthermore, it is essential to address accessibility concerns to ensure equitable access to ETDs for individuals with disabilities. This research investigated the multifaceted challenges encountered in the user experience and accessibility aspects of ETDs. It examined user interface design, information architecture, searchability, readability, and multimedia integration. By analysing user feedback, conducting surveys, and studying existing ETD platforms, the research identified common pain points and limitations students and researchers face. Limitations of user experiences for ETDs, such as complex navigation, inconsistent layouts, and limited search functionalities, can hinder the efficient discovery and utilization of ETDs. Additionally, the research emphasises the need for enhanced accessibility features to accommodate individuals with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments. These challenges may include the lack of alternative text for images, inadequate video captioning, or incompatible formats for assistive technologies. Addressing these issues is crucial to improve the accessibility and usability of ETDs. The research emphasizes adopting user-centred design principles, responsive web design techniques, and inclusive accessibility standards to enhance the user experience and ensure equal access to ETDs for all users. It also underscores the significance of collaboration among stakeholders, including ETD platform developers, academic institutions, and accessibility experts, to develop guidelines and standards for creating user-friendly and accessible ETD platforms. The findings of this research have important implications for ETD platforms, academic institutions, and the broader scholarly community. By improving the user experience and addressing accessibility challenges, ETDs can become more accessible, discoverable, and beneficial resources for students, researchers, and other stakeholders in the academic realm.