Analysis of the graphical user interface of the online store, taking into account the methods of universal design

Abstract

Universal design is a philosophy of creating various products and the environment to adapt to the most comprehensive possible group of recipients. This article aims to compare interfaces with the principles of universal design and application interfaces that ignore such principles. After the literature review, the following research hypotheses were posed: “Higher interface contrast affects the visibility and speed of searching for individual elements of user interface” and “The arrangement of interface elements has a significant impact on navigating the website”. The research was conducted on two websites. The Empik storefront was a webservice that did not comply with universal design principles. The application that follow the regulations of universal design was created for the purpose of research. Three methods of measuring the quality of interfaces were used in the study: WAVE tool, eye-tracking tests, and subjective assessment using the LUT questionnaire (Lublin University of Technology). Eye tracking study showed that participants needed an average of 2 times less time to locate elements on a high-contrast interface and 4 times less time to locate all components placed compliant with generally accepted design standards.