Impact of web accessibility on cognitive engagement in individuals without disabilities: Evidence from a psychophysiological study
Impact of web accessibility on cognitive engagement in individuals without disabilities: Evidence from a psychophysiological study
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Ekin, Merve
Krejtz, Krzysztof
Duarte, Carlos
Seixas Pereira, Leticia
Marcus-Quinn, Ann
Krejtz, Izabela
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2025-07-30
Publisher
Journal title
PLOS One
Issue
7
Volume
20
Pages
Pages
1-26
ISSN
1932-6203
ISSN of series
Access date
2025-07-30
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Web accessibility features on websites are designed for individuals with disabilities that include low vision and cognitive impairments, but such features can benefit everyone. This study investigates the impact of accessibility features of the web on ambient/focal visual attention and cognitive processing in individuals without disabilities. The study involved 20 participants reading news websites with different levels of low vision and cognitive-related accessibility features while their eye movements and heart rate variability were monitored. The findings show that cognitive engagement declined over time when no accessibility enhancements were present. The study also demonstrates that enhancing cognitive accessibility leads to increased user cognitive engagement, while low vision accessibility features make websites easier to read. These findings are corroborated by self-reports and psychophysiological measures, such as eye-tracking metrics and heart rate variability. The effects from these psychophysiological measures, together with participants’ self-reports, support the benefits of enhancing web accessibility features for all users. The implications for future website design are also discussed.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
Exhibition title
Place of exhibition (institution)
Exhibition curator
Type
License type
Funder
Time range from
Time range to
Contact person name
Related publication
Related publication
Grant/project name
Eyes for Interaction, Communication and Understanding – Eyes4ICU
the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia)
the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia)
Collections
Views
9Acquisition Date16.12.2025
Downloads
3Acquisition Date16.12.2025
Altmetrics©
Dimensions
Google Scholar
