Usability and Accessibility Implications of Various Date Picker Methods Andrew Downie

Introduction Which date picker format is best in terms of: Ease of implementation Validation checking Ease of use generally Screen reader accessibility Eight screen reader users help me with that question Results later

Simple edit fields Easy to write Completion easy for most people Validation by way of: Restricting to numbers only Limiting length of input To some extent checking for valid date No calendar for user to check Edit field control-1

Automatic edit fields Easy to write Completion easy for most people Automatic advance to next field rewards accurate entry However, makes error correction more difficult Validation by way of: Restricting to numbers only Limiting length of input To some extent checking for valid date No calendar for user to check Edit auto control-2

Combo boxes More work required to write Depending on implementation, user cannot select an invalid date Day of week as well as date can be presented Selection can be fast for astute users Others may find tedious Combo smart control-3

Table Slightly tedious but easy to write Visually very convenient to check days Cannot select an invalid date May involve much tabbing for keyboard users At best, slower for screen reader users Table control-4

HTML5 date picker Very easy to set up Invalid entry check is easy in compatible browsers Entry via numbers or arrows Allows rapid entry if aware of feature Can select dates over millennia Starts with today’s date HTML5 control-5 Continued next slide

HTML5 date picker (cont) Intuitive to use with suitable browsers Does not show week day except in Chrome Features vary between browsers Only edit fields in Internet Explorer Does not work in Edge HTML5 Chrome control-6

Screen reader user feedback Many thanks to the eight participants All at least 15 years screen reader experience Variety of screen readers, browsers and OSs The following is anecdotal rather than rigorous Feedback by phone while completing forms Wide variation in skill levels Instructions often seen as optional  Continued next slide

Screen reader user feedback (cont) All comfortable with edit fields Some liked automatic option Some did not notice Comboboxes generally liked Tables generally disliked Most did not know about table navigation Prior negative online experience created apprehension

Closing comments Purpose will affect choice of date picker Comboboxes offer accessibility and easy validation Tables liked by sighted users Wording, as well as structure, is important Informal screen reader learning often leaves people disadvantaged

Thank you Andrew Downie Phone: 0400 806 076 Email: access_tech@iprimus.com.au