Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Organizations that depend on online learning management systems are under increasing pressure to modernize, and Accessibility-First Design Practices has emerged as one of the more promising avenues for doing so, given its demonstrated impact in related domains.

Despite this potential, many existing online learning management systems were not originally designed with accessibility-first design practices in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in user engagement that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Accessibility-First Design Practices can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Current online learning management systems in many organizations struggle with inadequate user engagement, often relying on manual processes or outdated architectures that were not designed for today's operating environment. Without a structured approach to integrating accessibility-first design practices, these limitations are likely to persist, exposing organizations to inefficiency, risk, and a poor user experience. This study is motivated by the need to design and evaluate a accessibility-first design practices-based approach to addressing this problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a accessibility-first design practices-based approach to improving user engagement in online learning management systems.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Accessibility-First Design Practices in enhancing user engagement within online learning management systems.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying accessibility-first design practices in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can accessibility-first design practices be applied to improve user engagement in online learning management systems?
2. How effective is Accessibility-First Design Practices at enhancing user engagement within online learning management systems?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying accessibility-first design practices in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in accessibility-first design practices for their own online learning management systems, and contributes to the broader literature on applied UI/UX design by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

As a BSc-level study, its scope is confined to designing and evaluating a accessibility-first design practices-based solution for online learning management systems, focused specifically on user engagement; broader deployment considerations fall outside this scope.