Yahoo! Messenger 10
Background
Yahoo! Messenger 10 is an instant messaging application which supports multiple languages and downloaded from the official site. This evaluation is based on the Windows 7 and conducted in 5th January 2011.
Accessibility and Usability Evaluation
Windows 7 narrator and magnifying glasses are supporting, but not all the elements are supported in narrator. Alternative or specific keyboard is supporting the input of this application. There are alternatives for image elements but the colour of menu is not suitable for reading. All the features of this application are supporting the keyboard shortcut and screen reader except the emoticons in the dialog window which are not available for screen reader and keyboard shortcut. Keyboard access reaches information screens but some focus is not well described for a screen reader user. All the labels for objects, fields or controls are available for screen reader and keyboard. There are audio alerts for the different purposes could be customised. However, there are no text alternatives for the audio alerts. There are good instructions for keyboard shortcut keys and shortcut keys on menus work well with default keyboard shortcuts. The application provides the setting of font size, style and colour with keyboard but zooming should depend on the magnifying glass. Menus and dialog boxes are offered in a manner that is consistent with Windows 7. Clear instructions and online documents provide the suitable guidelines for users.
Application Tests Criteria for Yahoo! Messenger 10
| ID | Test | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Built in accessibility checks | 2 |
| 2 | Application works with External Assistive Technologies | 3 |
| 3 | Text or other alternatives for image elements | 3 |
| 4 | Keyboard / Alternative input with focus | 2 |
| 5 | Labels for objects, fields or controls | 3 |
| 6 | Audio alerts have visual cues | 2 |
| 7 | Alternatives for Video / Animation | 3 |
| 8 | Media events offer user control | 3 |
| 9 | Textual Information for screen reader | 2 |
| 10 | Keyboard shortcut keys offered | 3 |
| 11 | Save user preferences for style and zoom | 3 |
| 12 | Timed events can be altered | 3 |
| 13 | Change colours and contrast | 2 |
| 14 | Uniform and standardised presentation | 3 |
| 15 | Documentation | 3 |
| Average | 88.9% |
Compatibility Evaluation
Yahoo! Messenger 10 requires Windows XP, Vista and 7. There are also different versions for different mobile systems and Web.
Assistive Technologies Recommended
The alternatives for the emoticons in the toolbar of dialog window are not available for screen reader as well as shortcut keys. This problem is not supported by other accessibility tools and should be solved by the software provider. Magnifying glasses could draw the issue that application is not able to zoom. Clear instructions about the application should be provided not only online document but a video with text alternatives. Screen reader NVDA supports this application well. The alternative for alter audio is not available for this application.
Keyboard accessing for Yahoo! Messenger 10
The sounds setting of Yahoo! Messenger 10
Startup video with no text alternatives of Windows Live Messenger 2011
