Assessment for Career & Technical Education by Boréal - Module 2: Interface Navigation

Submitted by jonathan.camar… on
Are user input fields accompanied by clear instructions on what the user needs to do to successfully complete the form?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Search fields, advanced search filters, and account-related forms include clear instructions indicating how users should enter search terms or other information. Instructions are visible and understandable.
Do user input fields contain labels in addition to overall instructions mentioned above?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Input fields include clear labels such as Search, Author, Subject, and Publication Date. Labels are provided outside of placeholder text and are programmatically associated with the fields.
Are descriptions for fields and boxes easy to understand?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Field descriptions and labels are straightforward and easy to understand. Terminology used for search fields and filters follows common database conventions.
Are labels placed above the user input fields and clearly associated with each field?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Labels appear directly above or immediately adjacent to their associated input fields in search and advanced search forms, reducing confusion for users navigating with screen readers or keyboard controls.
Are text cues for coloured form control labels available?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Required fields include textual cues such as “required” or other indicators in addition to colour, ensuring that information is not conveyed through colour alone.
Are other visual indicators provided consistently, such as an asterisk for required form fields?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Required fields are consistently indicated using visual markers such as asterisks along with explanatory text when necessary.
Are user input fields either reversible, checked, or confirmed? One of the three is acceptable.
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Search queries and form inputs can be easily modified after submission. The system allows users to refine or revise searches and provides validation checks for certain fields (e.g., email format in share/email functions). These mechanisms allow users to correct errors before finalizing submissions.
Are alert messages clearly visible to the user, either at the top of the form field, inline, or through a dialog box?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Error messages appear clearly within the form or near the relevant input field when incorrect or missing information is entered.
Do alert messages clearly indicate the field in which the error has occurred and a description of the error and the fix?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Error messages clearly identify the affected field and explain the issue (e.g., invalid email format) along with guidance for correcting the error.
Is the user able to easily access the user input field to correct the error?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Users can quickly navigate back to the affected field using mouse or keyboard navigation to correct the error.
Is the user able to resubmit the form and re-validate their submission?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: After correcting the information, users can resubmit the form. Validation checks occur again to confirm successful submission.
Do error reports follow a logical reading and navigation order?
Answer: Sometimes
Score: 1
Notes: Error messages generally follow a logical order and are announced by screen readers; however, focus is not always automatically redirected to the error message summary.
When a user spells a word incorrectly, does the search function offer spelling suggestions or synonyms?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: The search system provides “Did you mean…” spelling suggestions and corrected search terms on the results page when a misspelled word is entered.
Are icons such as to save, download, or print consistent across the site?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Icons such as PDF Full Text, Cite, Save to Folder, Print, and Download appear consistently across search results and record pages.
Is alternative text clear and consistent for each icon type?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Icons include accessible labels or alt text that clearly describe their function for screen reader users.
Are actions consistently labelled across the site? For example, the “search” button is always labeled “search”.
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Actions such as Search, Cite, Save, Print, and Share maintain consistent labels throughout the interface.
Are icons that have adjacent links consistent?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: When icons appear next to text links, both point to the same function and are labeled consistently.
Can the purpose of each link be determined from the link text alone?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Links use descriptive text such as PDF Full Text, HTML Full Text, and View Record, making their purpose clear without needing additional context.
Does the eresource have a consistent layout and navigation across all pages?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: The interface maintains a consistent layout across the main search page, results page, and item record pages. Navigation menus, search tools, and utility buttons appear in predictable locations, allowing users to move between pages without needing to reorient themselves.
Are search fields located in the same places throughout the website?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: The primary search bar remains located at the top of the interface across pages. Advanced search options and filters are consistently accessible from the same area of the interface.
Do other features occur in the same place throughout the website?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Common features such as help links, account access, navigation menus, and pagination controls appear in consistent locations across pages. This predictable layout supports efficient navigation.
Are links, buttons, images, and other components that are used repeatedly throughout a website labeled consistently?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Interactive elements such as Search, Cite, Save, Print, and Share maintain consistent labeling and icon usage across the platform.
Does the electronic resource avoid the use of pop-up windows which open automatically in a new tab if a user clicks on a button?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Most actions such as opening articles, viewing PDFs, citing sources, or saving records open within the same browser tab or through controlled interface panels. No unexpected pop-up windows were observed when selecting standard database functions.
Does the database avoid launching pop-up windows automatically when the database is loaded?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: The database does not generate automatic pop-up windows when the platform loads. The interface loads normally without unexpected interruptions.
Where pop-ups occur, are users able to postpone or suppress any pop-ups?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: When dialog boxes appear (for example during sign-in or when saving items to folders), users can easily close or dismiss them. These windows include clear close or cancel controls.
Does the database avoid launching pages in a new browser window with the usual browser controls missing?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Pages open within standard browser windows and maintain normal browser controls such as the address bar and navigation buttons. No restricted browser windows were observed.
Is page content subdivided hierarchically into appropriate headings and tagged appropriately?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: The platform uses structured headings for major page elements such as search results, article titles, and interface sections. Headings follow a logical hierarchy that allows screen readers to navigate content efficiently.
Are headings concise and clear, and accurately reflect the content under that heading?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Headings clearly describe the content of each section, such as search results, article titles, and database tools. The headings are concise and easy for users to understand.
Do database page menus have a reasonable number of navigation items and drop-down options?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: The interface contains a manageable number of navigation items such as Search, Advanced Search, Publications, and Help. Drop-down menus are limited and organized clearly.
Does the main navigation and drop-downs contain a reasonable number of menu items?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Menu items are grouped logically and do not overwhelm users with excessive options.
Can all menus and submenus be accessed with screen readers and via keyboard navigation?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Navigation menus can be accessed using keyboard navigation and are compatible with screen readers, allowing users to move through menu options effectively.
Does the “results” page or item record view avoid opening in a new tab without a warning?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Search results and item records typically open within the same interface, avoiding unexpected changes in context.
Is there an "update now" button that requests a refresh of content rather than automatically updating the content?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: When filters or search refinements are applied, users must manually confirm or refresh results rather than the system updating automatically.
Does the database avoid automatic redirection?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Users are not automatically redirected to new pages without clear interaction or action.
Does the form refrain from submitting automatically when a component receives focus?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Forms require users to activate the submit button. Simply moving keyboard focus over the submit control does not trigger submission.
Does the database avoid launching new windows when a component receives focus?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Moving focus through the interface does not trigger new windows or dialogs.
Does the database avoid change of focus when a component receives focus?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Focus remains on the selected element and does not shift automatically to another component.
Are you able to tab through a page using keyboard navigation without the keyboard focus moving away from the control?
Answer: Always
Score: 2
Notes: Keyboard navigation follows a logical order, allowing users to tab through elements without losing focus.
eResource: Career & Technical Education
eResource Type: Database
Vendor: ProQuest
Institution: Boréal
Score: A+

Key Findings

Strengths

  • The platform’s layout and navigation is consistent across all pages
  • User input fields contain labels and clear instructions to help users successfully complete the form
  • Page content has appropriate headers and is tagged appropriately

Labels and Instructions for Interactive Elements

Question Answer Notes Images
Are user input fields accompanied by clear instructions on what the user needs to do to successfully complete the form? Always Search fields, advanced search filters, and account-related forms include clear instructions indicating how users should enter search terms or other information. Instructions are visible and understandable.
Do user input fields contain labels in addition to overall instructions mentioned above? Always Input fields include clear labels such as Search, Author, Subject, and Publication Date. Labels are provided outside of placeholder text and are programmatically associated with the fields.
Are descriptions for fields and boxes easy to understand? Always Field descriptions and labels are straightforward and easy to understand. Terminology used for search fields and filters follows common database conventions.
Are labels placed above the user input fields and clearly associated with each field? Always Labels appear directly above or immediately adjacent to their associated input fields in search and advanced search forms, reducing confusion for users navigating with screen readers or keyboard controls.
Are text cues for coloured form control labels available? Always Required fields include textual cues such as “required” or other indicators in addition to colour, ensuring that information is not conveyed through colour alone.
Are other visual indicators provided consistently, such as an asterisk for required form fields? Always Required fields are consistently indicated using visual markers such as asterisks along with explanatory text when necessary.

Error Prevention

Question Answer Notes Images
Are user input fields either reversible, checked, or confirmed? One of the three is acceptable. Always Search queries and form inputs can be easily modified after submission. The system allows users to refine or revise searches and provides validation checks for certain fields (e.g., email format in share/email functions). These mechanisms allow users to correct errors before finalizing submissions.

Error Reports

Question Answer Notes Images
Are alert messages clearly visible to the user, either at the top of the form field, inline, or through a dialog box? Always Error messages appear clearly within the form or near the relevant input field when incorrect or missing information is entered.
Do alert messages clearly indicate the field in which the error has occurred and a description of the error and the fix? Always Error messages clearly identify the affected field and explain the issue (e.g., invalid email format) along with guidance for correcting the error.
Is the user able to easily access the user input field to correct the error? Always Users can quickly navigate back to the affected field using mouse or keyboard navigation to correct the error.
Is the user able to resubmit the form and re-validate their submission? Always After correcting the information, users can resubmit the form. Validation checks occur again to confirm successful submission.
Do error reports follow a logical reading and navigation order? Sometimes Error messages generally follow a logical order and are announced by screen readers; however, focus is not always automatically redirected to the error message summary.

Search function spell-check

Question Answer Notes Images
When a user spells a word incorrectly, does the search function offer spelling suggestions or synonyms? Always The search system provides “Did you mean…” spelling suggestions and corrected search terms on the results page when a misspelled word is entered.

Functionality of Interactive Elements

Question Answer Notes Images
Are icons such as to save, download, or print consistent across the site? Always Icons such as PDF Full Text, Cite, Save to Folder, Print, and Download appear consistently across search results and record pages.
Is alternative text clear and consistent for each icon type? Always Icons include accessible labels or alt text that clearly describe their function for screen reader users.
Are actions consistently labelled across the site? For example, the “search” button is always labeled “search”. Always Actions such as Search, Cite, Save, Print, and Share maintain consistent labels throughout the interface.
Are icons that have adjacent links consistent? Always When icons appear next to text links, both point to the same function and are labeled consistently.
Can the purpose of each link be determined from the link text alone? Always Links use descriptive text such as PDF Full Text, HTML Full Text, and View Record, making their purpose clear without needing additional context.

Consistent Navigation

Question Answer Notes Images
Does the eresource have a consistent layout and navigation across all pages? Always The interface maintains a consistent layout across the main search page, results page, and item record pages. Navigation menus, search tools, and utility buttons appear in predictable locations, allowing users to move between pages without needing to reorient themselves.
Are search fields located in the same places throughout the website? Always The primary search bar remains located at the top of the interface across pages. Advanced search options and filters are consistently accessible from the same area of the interface.
Do other features occur in the same place throughout the website? Always Common features such as help links, account access, navigation menus, and pagination controls appear in consistent locations across pages. This predictable layout supports efficient navigation.
Are links, buttons, images, and other components that are used repeatedly throughout a website labeled consistently? Always Interactive elements such as Search, Cite, Save, Print, and Share maintain consistent labeling and icon usage across the platform.

Pop-up windows/Interruptions

Question Answer Notes Images
Does the electronic resource avoid the use of pop-up windows which open automatically in a new tab if a user clicks on a button? Always Most actions such as opening articles, viewing PDFs, citing sources, or saving records open within the same browser tab or through controlled interface panels. No unexpected pop-up windows were observed when selecting standard database functions.
Does the database avoid launching pop-up windows automatically when the database is loaded? Always The database does not generate automatic pop-up windows when the platform loads. The interface loads normally without unexpected interruptions.
Where pop-ups occur, are users able to postpone or suppress any pop-ups? Always When dialog boxes appear (for example during sign-in or when saving items to folders), users can easily close or dismiss them. These windows include clear close or cancel controls.
Does the database avoid launching pages in a new browser window with the usual browser controls missing? Always Pages open within standard browser windows and maintain normal browser controls such as the address bar and navigation buttons. No restricted browser windows were observed.

Headers

Question Answer Notes Images
Is page content subdivided hierarchically into appropriate headings and tagged appropriately? Always The platform uses structured headings for major page elements such as search results, article titles, and interface sections. Headings follow a logical hierarchy that allows screen readers to navigate content efficiently.
Are headings concise and clear, and accurately reflect the content under that heading? Always Headings clearly describe the content of each section, such as search results, article titles, and database tools. The headings are concise and easy for users to understand.

Menus

Question Answer Notes Images
Do database page menus have a reasonable number of navigation items and drop-down options? Always The interface contains a manageable number of navigation items such as Search, Advanced Search, Publications, and Help. Drop-down menus are limited and organized clearly.
Does the main navigation and drop-downs contain a reasonable number of menu items? Always Menu items are grouped logically and do not overwhelm users with excessive options.
Can all menus and submenus be accessed with screen readers and via keyboard navigation? Always Navigation menus can be accessed using keyboard navigation and are compatible with screen readers, allowing users to move through menu options effectively.

Change of context

Question Answer Notes Images
Does the “results” page or item record view avoid opening in a new tab without a warning? Always Search results and item records typically open within the same interface, avoiding unexpected changes in context.
Is there an "update now" button that requests a refresh of content rather than automatically updating the content? Always When filters or search refinements are applied, users must manually confirm or refresh results rather than the system updating automatically.
Does the database avoid automatic redirection? Always Users are not automatically redirected to new pages without clear interaction or action.

Change of Context: Focus

Question Answer Notes Images
Does the form refrain from submitting automatically when a component receives focus? Always Forms require users to activate the submit button. Simply moving keyboard focus over the submit control does not trigger submission.
Does the database avoid launching new windows when a component receives focus? Always Moving focus through the interface does not trigger new windows or dialogs.
Does the database avoid change of focus when a component receives focus? Always Focus remains on the selected element and does not shift automatically to another component.
Are you able to tab through a page using keyboard navigation without the keyboard focus moving away from the control? Always Keyboard navigation follows a logical order, allowing users to tab through elements without losing focus.
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