Pilot studies for evaluating a web accessibility observatory

As with most software development projects, the WADcher observatory to monitor web accessibility must cater to the needs of the eventual users, be they web commissioners, developers or expert reviewers. However, these three different groups show quite different requirements with regard to their tasks and their proficiency when using monitoring tools and also understanding of technologies and web accessibility in general. Therefore, a common observatory needs to consider all of these requirements and as best as possible fulfil them. The realization of this claim then can only be tested through extensive user testing with representatives of all groups. Another important aspect regarding web accessibility are the different legal frameworks that have been set up in European countries as well as the different tools and rulesets that can and should be used. To verify whether all national requirements are actually met, the tests also need to extend beyond a single country and must include a widespread test group.