IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems

Published by IADIS (International Association for Development of the Information Society) • ISSN (Online): 1646-3692 • ISSN (Print): 1646-3692
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Beyond the Beep: Reimagining Screen Reader Usability with Ux at the Forefront

Solett Smuts *
Hanlie Smuts *
* University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)
* University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)

Abstract

Digital technologies have become deeply embedded within the present computing environments that shape users’ daily interactions, emerging as essential tools for educ ation, communication, and information exchange. While users generally engage with these technologies through digital interactions, individuals with visual impairments (VI) or visual disabilities (VD) encoun ter distinct challenges compared to their sighted counterparts. In the specific context of computer-aided drawing systems for the blind (CADB), existing scholarship has significantly advanced our understanding of assistive technologies and the unique ways in which blind and visually impaired (BVI) users interact with human–computer i nterfaces. It is crucial to enhance usability, support shape creation, and enable intuitive spatial navigation to fully leverage the potential of these interfaces and foster meaningful engagement. This study sought to identify key user experience (UX) principles releva nt to the design of screen rea ders—critical tools in improving digital accessibility for BVI users. The research analyzed a curated se lection of 18 scholarly works employing a systematic literature review methodology. A thematic analysis of these sources produced 86 sub-themes, organized into seven overarching themes: Navigation, Content Creation Tools , Interactive Technology, UX Design Principles, Evolving Technology, User Needs, and User Skills. These themes were synthesized into a conceptual model offering actionable insights for UX des igners and developers. The resulting framework not only informs the development of more accessible and user-centered screen readers but also contributes to the broader goal of inclusive digital design by ensuring that assistive technologies address the diverse needs of their users.

Keywords

User Experience Principles Screen Readers Blind Users Voice Synthesis Sightless Users User Theories Guidelines Assessment Tool
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Declarations & Ethics

Funding: This research received academic dissemination support through ESCAP / JournalsHub publishing programs.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no competing financial or institutional interests.
Peer Review: Double-blind peer reviewed by international subject specialists.
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
How to Cite This Article
APA / MLA / BibTeX
Smuts, et al. (2025). Beyond the Beep: Reimagining Screen Reader Usability with Ux at the Forefront. IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.33965/ijcsis_2025_v20i1_06
Smuts, et al. "Beyond the Beep: Reimagining Screen Reader Usability with Ux at the Forefront." IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems, vol. 20, no. 1, 2025. https://doi.org/10.33965/ijcsis_2025_v20i1_06
Smuts, et al. "Beyond the Beep: Reimagining Screen Reader Usability with Ux at the Forefront." IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems 20, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.33965/ijcsis_2025_v20i1_06