Accessibility in web modeling tools: Systematic review and conceptualization of a keyboard-only prototype

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, the number of disabilities is increasing steadily. Additionally, as the internet has become a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, it is essential to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to different information and services. Despite a growing effort to promote inclusion worldwide, there are still inaccessible tools and technologies in the field of computation. This results in unequal access to information systems and products for many people with disabilities. Consequently, accessibility should also be a key element, particularly in conceptual modeling, since web modeling tools have grown in popularity, as these tools have become essential in various fields, allowing professionals to work together, create, and build intricate web-based systems. In this regard, web accessibility is crucial for web modeling tools, as it ensures that users with disabilities can contribute fully to the modeling process and have equal chances to benefit.This thesis presents existing web accessibility issues in conceptual modeling research by identifying current research gaps and delineating a vision toward more inclusive, i.e., disability-aware conceptual modeling, based on a systematic review of the literature and current modeling tools. One key finding relates to a gap in research and tool support concerning physical disabilities. Based on these results, this thesis presents the first modeling prototype that can be used keyboard-only, thereby including users with physical disabilities to engage in conceptual modeling.