African Digital Libraries Quarterly (LIS focus) | 22 February 2005
Designing User Interfaces for Literate Barriers in African Low-Literacy Populations: A Moroccan Case Study
A, h, m, e, d, E, l, H, a, j, i
Abstract
Low-literacy populations in Africa face significant barriers to accessing digital resources effectively. In Morocco, low literacy levels exacerbate existing challenges such as inadequate user interfaces and navigation difficulties. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating qualitative interviews (\(n=20)\) and quantitative surveys (\(n=100)\). Participants were recruited from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to ensure comprehensive insights on literacy levels and preferences. The analysis revealed that a minimum font size of 16 points significantly improved readability for individuals with moderate to low literacy, while clear visual cues such as colour contrasts effectively reduced navigation errors by 25%. User interface design must consider both technological accessibility and user comprehension levels. Our findings suggest that incorporating adjustable text sizes and intuitive navigational aids can lead to more inclusive digital experiences for Moroccan populations. Developers should prioritise font size adjustments in their UI designs, alongside the inclusion of visual aids like icons and tooltips. These elements are crucial for creating accessible interfaces across different literacy levels. User Interface Design, Literacy Barriers, Digital Accessibility, Morocco