Summary
Starting out with a ten-minute live demo from an expert screen reader user, Samuel Proulx will introduce you to not only how they work, but the thought processes behind using the Internet with a screen reader. What are some of the most important things to take into account when attempting to construct a mental model of a screen reader user? How do these effect the way you think about designing websites and apps? How can designers learn to move beyond thinking visually, to create designs that work for everyone? After this introduction, the floor will open to your questions! If you have burning questions about how people who are blind use the Internet, or what design patterns work best and why or why not, this is your chance! Ask any question at all in an open, safe learning environment.
Key Insights
-
•
Screen reader users consume web pages by skimming headings and landmarks, not reading linearly like audiobooks.
-
•
NVDA screen reader is open source and developed primarily by blind users, demonstrating inclusive design.
-
•
Screen readers are highly customized by users; almost no one uses default settings.
-
•
Semantic HTML landmarks enable quick navigation to relevant page sections, reducing cognitive load.
-
•
Web applications like Google Docs need ARIA application roles and custom hotkeys to manage complex interactions.
-
•
Consistency across a website’s page structure is crucial for efficient screen reader use.
-
•
Mobile apps are gaining popularity among blind users for tasks with limited typing, but desktop remains preferred for heavy typing.
-
•
Learning specialized hotkeys is acceptable if the user frequently returns to that application; infrequent apps should avoid them.
-
•
Partnering with grassroots accessibility organizations fosters trust and helps recruit diverse screen reader users.
-
•
Properly coded tables using semantic HTML enable screen readers to provide meaningful navigation and context.
Notable Quotes
"I can’t remember a day when there wasn’t a talking computer in my house."
"Screen reader users don’t listen to a web page like a podcast, it’s a very forward-leaning interactive experience."
"Most people listen to 250 words per minute; I often listen at 400 to 800 words per minute."
"Every assistive technology is not one size fits all, there are thousands of options to configure."
"Landmarks are like physical landmarks but for web pages, marking content roles for screen reader users."
"The more complicated a web app becomes, the more necessary the ARIA application attribute is."
"Mobile apps simplify design because of less screen real estate, which benefits all users including those using assistive technology."
"The real problem is asking me to learn specialized hotkeys for an application I only use once a year."
"Consistency is very important so what you learn on one page applies to all pages on that website."
"If you partner with grassroots organizations, they can help not only with recruiting but trust building and getting your name out there."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Findings are observations with a short shelf life, whereas insights get deep into the why and the consequences."
Sara LogelYour Colleagues are Your Users Too
March 29, 2023
"Enterprise problems are often engineering problems as much as design problems."
Dan WillisEnterprise Storytelling Sessions
May 13, 2015
"Every job is a climate job. Every job has to be a climate job."
Aiyana Bodi James Christie Marc O'Brien Louis RosenfeldThree Key Climate Initiatives and How You Can Help
September 11, 2024
"Cross-functional relationships often matter more to output than relationships within the immediate team."
Liam ThurstonWhy Your Design Team Is Quitting, And How To Fix It
June 10, 2022
"Giving senior leadership a shared language for design helped product teams better communicate what needed focus and why."
Chris MosesStretching the Definition of DesignOps with Product Development
November 7, 2018
"When you’re passionate about a topic, you hear the song loudly in your head; the listener just hears clapping."
Janaki KumarInnovate with Purpose
June 14, 2018
"We are all becoming more human in work, stripping away masks and fronts, which strengthens relationships."
Smitha Papolu Nova Wehman-Brown Melissa Schmidt Adam MenterTheme 3 Discussion
January 8, 2024
"Social media algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy, exacerbating echo chambers and polarizing discourse."
Noah BondRedefining truth and inclusivity: Navigating data ownership and ethical research in the age of disinformation
March 11, 2025
"We do a lot of unstuck meetings—where anyone stuck can bring the problem and get brain help without judgment."
Tanya SnookDesigning the team experience: Building culture through onboarding
November 4, 2021
