New research shows how cookie notifications can be more accessible
Recent research shows that the information in cookie notifications is often difficult to perceive and understand. We provide tips on how to make cookie notifications easier to handle and understand for all users regardless of their abilities.
Together with the Norwegian Computing Center, we have recently investigated the accessibility of cookie notifications. The project was funded by the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (BufDir) and ran for 2024. The aim of the project was to investigate how cookie notifications work for people with disabilities and to develop suggestions on how to make these notifications more accessible. We examined the accessibility of a sample of cookie notifications from both a technical and a cognitive perspective and conducted surveys and usability tests to find out how users experience the notifications.
The results of the surveys and usability tests show that many users, especially people with disabilities, have difficulties in handling cookies. Inaccessible cookie notifications make it difficult to both access and understand the information. The reviews and usability tests found, among other things, difficulties in navigating to and within the notices, unclear structure and information that cannot be accessed with screen readers. From a cognitive perspective, many notifications contained too much text, unclear information and there was a major lack of explanation of the concepts and words used.
Our survey shows that 64% of people with disabilities find it difficult to make cookie choices, says Sara Kjellstrand, research strategist at Funka Foundation. The options are difficult to understand, and the design is often inaccessible.
More results from reviews and usability tests can be read in a summary report from the project. Based on the results, we have also developed a checklist on how to make cookie notifications more understandable and easier to manage.
Some of our top tips for accessible cookies are:
- Offer three clear options – reject any, accept all, set preferences
- Make sure the banner is instantly visible to everyone, preferably in a central location
- Use plain language and offer explanations of terms and concepts
Accessible cookie notices study report final, PDF, opens in a new window
Contact
If you would like to know more about the project or register your interest in participating, please contact project manager Sara Kjellstrand.