Alice Good

Implications for improving accessibility to e-commerce websites in developing countries: a study of hotel websites

This research explores the accessibility issues with regard to the e-commerce websites in developing countries, through a study of Sri Lankan hotel websites. A web survey and a web content analysis were conducted as the methods to elicit data on web accessibility. Factors preventing accessibility were hypothesized as an initial experiment. Affecting design elements are identified through web content analysis, the results of which are utilized to develop specific implications for improving web accessibility. The hypothesis tests show that there is no significant correlation between accessibility and geographical or economic factors. However, physical impairments of users have a considerable influence on the accessibility of web page user interface if it has been designed without full consideration of the needs of all users. Poor readability and less navigable page designs are two observable issues, which pose threats to accessibility. The lack of conformance to W3C accessibility guidelines and the poor design process are the specific shortcomings which reduce the overall accessibility. Further enhancements are suggested with adherence to principles, user – centered design and developing customizable web portals compatible for connections with differing speeds. Re-ordering search results has been suggested as one of the finest step towards making the web content accessible for users with differing needs.

Looking back at facebook content and the positive impact upon wellbeing: exploring reminiscing as a tool for self soothing

The premise of this paper is to explore the potential of reminiscing in facilitating self soothing. The research presented looks at peoples activities on Facebook and whether these particular activities impact upon their perceived sense of wellbeing, furthermore, whether specific Facebook activities enable a self ---soothing effect when feeling low in mood. A survey was distributed amongst Facebook users. The results from the study appear to indicate that in comparison to other Facebook activities, looking back upon photos and wall posts in particular, could have a positive impact upon wellbeing. Additionally, the results indicate that people who have mental health problems, experience a more positive impact upon their wellbeing when looking at photos and wall posts, than those who did not have a history of mental health issues. The results from the research presented here contribute towards the viability of developing a mobile application to facilitate positive reminiscing.

Can ubiquitous devices utilising reminiscence therapy be used to promote well-being in dementia patients? an exploratory study

This exploratory study aimed to assess whether ubiquitous devices could be used to facilitate person-centred reminiscence therapy. In order to test this approach to delivering a reminiscence therapy intervention, a tablet application was designed (using participatory design) and tested by the carers of people with dementia. The study showed that there is the potential to utilise the recent advances in mobile technology to facilitate reminiscence therapy. However, it did not provide conclusive proof that the device would be effective in its delivery of reminiscence therapy, but further research will aim to explore this.

Issues with Designing Dementia-Friendly Interfaces

People with dementia are a rapidly growing demographic. In a world which is increasingly dependent on computing, this large group of people is becoming technologically isolated, due to the ill-suited design of interfaces. This paper looks at the possible ’roadblocks’ which need to be considered when designing interfaces in order to ensure they are dementia-friendly. By considering the unique needs of a person with dementia, designers can ensure that their software is accessible to this demographic, hence potentially reducing the feelings of technological exclusion.

Critical success factors for positive user experience in hotel websites:applying Herzberg’s two factor theory for user experience modeling

This research presents the development of a critical success factor matrix for increasing positive user experience of hotel websites based upon user ratings. Firstly, a number of critical success factors for web usability have been identified through the initial literature review. Secondly, hotel websites were surveyed in terms of critical success factors identified through the literature review. Thirdly, Herzberg’s motivation theory has been applied to the user rating and the critical success factors were categorized into two areas. Finally, the critical success factor matrix has been developed using the two main sets of data.

Computer Interaction and the Benefits of Social Networking for People with Borderline Personality Disorder: Enlightening Mental Health Professionals

This paper seeks to present the findings of a focus group and questionnaire in assessing how aware mental health professionals, who have experience with people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), are in the extent of ICT based support for people with BPD. The methods used were both qualitative and quantitative and used descriptive data. Content analysis was used to explore specific themes and results were cross-examined between the two methods. The work should be viewed as an exploratory study into the viability and likely acceptance of a virtual support community specifically designed for people with BPD. The long term aim is to provide additional support for people with BPD, especially when they are in crisis and might be at a higher risk of harm.

Accessing Web Based Health Care and Resources for Mental Health: Interface Design Considerations for People Experiencing Mental Illness

A significant proportion of society experience mental illness, many of which uses the Web for advice and support relating to their illness. With a high proportion of society experiencing anxiety and depression, it is important that web designers are informed of specific requirements to ensure Websites are accessible, particularly those websites that provide support and advice for mental health. Anxiety and depression can affect cognitive functioning, which can then impact upon the accessibility of web based information. The premise of this research is to look at design elements that are most likely to cause issues for people experiencing anxiety and depression. During a focus group, people who have a diagnosis of anxiety and depression were asked to discuss difficulties they experienced when carrying out specific tasks. The results from the study show that the problems encountered can be categorized under three main themes: information retrieval; information presentation and the understanding of information.

Strategic Advantage in Web Tourism Promotion: An e-Commerce Strategy for Developing Countries

This research informs the means to develop an e-commerce strategy for web based tourism promotion of hotels located in developing countries. The study explored the aspects related to the use of information systems in web based tourism promotion, along with a focus on the organizational factors affecting the use of e-commerce strategy. Interviews were conducted with the managers of selected five sample hotels located in Sri Lanka. A structured web content analysis was undertaken for all five sample hotels to trace process level data on the e-commerce web content. Specific aspects of web content analysis include interactivity, trust, information and value adding features. Instrument for web content analysis was developed by the researcher. The outcome of research produces an outline for developing an e-commerce strategy for hotels located in developing countries to achieve strategic advantages in web based tourism promotion.

A Case Study on Data Protection and Security Decisions in Cloud HPC

This paper reports on a case study that was conducted in a cloud High Performance Computing (HPC) project one that used very sensitive and confidential data. The study aimed to explore the security challenges and practicalities that occur within a cloud HPC project and to develop a method for making critical security decisions. Action research was used to examine the nuances throughout the project as the service was moved from on-premise into a public cloud HPC, lasting over one year from start to finish. The study was able to identify some emergent issues affecting initiation, technical security challenges and the evaluation of a significant change in a HPC provisioning model.

Inclusive Websites for the Elderly: User Friendly Guidelines for Designers and Managers of Websites and Applications

This research aims to define the most significant criteria for guidance on accessible design. It highlights 9 significant areas of guidance which we consider to be very important for the design of accessible, elderly friendly websites and web-applications. These areas look at specific elements of web design, including: structure; navigation; language; multimedia; links; search as well as others. Each of these areas has defined checkpoints which can be used to test the accessibility of a website. The criteria and checkpoints are presented in the form of a user friendly brochure. This brochure is aimed at two target groups: an instrument for website managers and secondly a checklist for web designers.