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Visual Accessibility and Readability in User Interfaces: An Eye-Tracking Study

Authors:
Karol Łazaruk
Piotr Tokarski
Małgorzata Plechawska-Wójcik

Keywords: eye tracking; readability; visual accessibility; user interfaces.

Abstract:
The aim of this work is to investigate how specific visual features of graphical interfaces influence the efficiency of information localization by users. This study focuses on examining the role of readability in visual characteristics, such as contrast, text formatting, and element highlighting, in shaping the speed and accuracy with which users can identify relevant information. The experiment involved comparing two versions of a museum interface: one designed in accordance with the principles of universal design and the second one with reduced readability. Eight stimuli were used in the study, which was conducted with 15 participants using eye-tracking technology. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Among the analysed features, task completion time, number of fixations, time to first fixation, and fixation dwell time were considered. Moreover, heat maps were also included in the study. The results indicate that high contrast, larger font size, and a well-structured content layout significantly reduce the number of fixations and shorten the time needed to locate information. Additionally, larger graphic elements with intense colours attract users’ attention more effectively, and their highlighting facilitates localization. The findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of user interaction with visual interfaces and to provide guidelines for designing more effective and user-friendly digital environments.

Pages: 48 to 53

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2026

Publication date: May 24, 2026

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4138

ISBN: 978-1-68558-383-5

Location: Venice, Italy

Dates: from May 24, 2026 to May 28, 2026