Journal of E-Governance and Digital Transformation in Africa (Technology | 17 June 2013
Designing Accessible User Interfaces for Low-Literacy Populations in Kenyan Contexts
M, w, a, n, g, i, N, d, e, g, e, ,, O, m, b, i, r, i, K, i, r, w, a, ,, K, i, n, y, a, n, j, u, i, K, o, e, c, h
Abstract
Low-literacy populations in Kenya face significant challenges accessing digital services effectively. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys with qualitative interviews to gather insights from users and experts. Users preferred graphical interfaces over text-based ones, indicating a preference for visual cues (direction: 60%, proportion: 2/3). Accessible user interfaces significantly improve digital service accessibility for low-literacy populations in Kenya. Design guidelines should prioritise the integration of visual elements and simplified language to enhance usability. User Interface, Accessibility, Low-Literacy, Digital Services, Kenya Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin<em>{\theta}\sum</em>i\ell(y<em>i,f</em>\theta(x<em>i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert</em>2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.