Transforming Yelp: Empowering Wheelchair Users for Inclusive Dining Experiences
Nidhi B Gowda, Yicheng (Ivory) Zhao, Rui Tian, Jimin Hong
Our Goal
Assuring accessibility, comfort, and social inclusion are just a few of the specific difficulties and requirements faced by wheelchair users when dining out. By building a concise and understandable conceptual model, we hope to close the functionality gap between the user's expectations and the capabilities of the digital system. To best serve our target audience, our design will place a high priority on user-centered principles. Our ultimate objective is to provide wheelchair users with a user-friendly website that promotes inclusion, improves their dining experiences, and gives accurate and current information about restaurants that are wheelchair accessible.
Design Process
Define the Problem
Primary & Secondary Research
User Interview
Observation
Contextual Inquiry
Affinity Diagram
Mental Model
Task Model
Content Requirements
Design
Feature Intervention
Wirefram & Prototype
Task Flow
Usability Testing
Design Iteration
Final Design
Key Finding
Wheelchair users frequently encounter accessibility challenges, including narrow doorways, steps, and non-compliant restroom facilities, which can make dining uncomfortable.
Accessibility is a top priority when choosing a restaurant. Wheelchair users consider factors like ambiance, comfortable seating, and staff support.
Wheelchair users depend on search engines and restaurant review websites for information. However, information can be incomplete or outdated, leading to inconsistencies.
Clear communication of accessibility needs is essential. Participants preferred phone reservations to learn about accessibility in detail but suggested online options with accessibility specifications for pre-screening.