Free Website Content
Website Usability
Take Website Usability To The Next
Level
By Sharon Housley
Website usability is more than just a
good navigational structure. A large number of people
have visual or hearing disabilities, so you should design
your website in ways that allow those with either minor
or significant impairments to view and navigate your
web content. The following tips will help expand your
website's usability so that all users, regardless of
their sensory perception and abilities, are able to
take advantage of your web content...
1. Images
Include "alt text" for
any images on a webpage. The alt text should accurately
describe the image. The visually impaired will often
use screen readers to discern what the images are, and
their screen reader will read the alt text and tell
them what the image is.
2. Transcripts
Any audio recordings should have transcripts
available. Hearing impaired individuals can then read
the transcript to learn what is contained in the audio
recordings that are available on the website.
3. Contrast
Website colors should be easy to discern,
and contrasted so that they stand out. Keep in mind
that different monitors will display colors slightly
differently. As such, usability research suggests that
you should play it safe and stick with websafe colors.
Even individuals with minor visual impairments may have
difficulties in discerning subtle color differences,
so use contrasting colors to highlight important information.
4. Scanable
Write your web copy in a way that makes
it easy for visitors to scan. Use bulleted lists and
bold headlines to assist with the web content's readability.
5. Captcha
In addition to a visual captcha code,
provide an optional verbal captcha code that can be
"played" and listened to thru the visitors speakers.
If someone has difficulty with their vision, discerning
the characters in a captcha code can often be an exercise
in frustration and futility. Providing an audio version
of the captcha code will greatly assist visitors with
visual impairments.
6. Type Face
Avoid using very small font sizes or overly
ornate font styles. The more standard sans-serif fonts
are much easier to read by most users.
7. Obvious
Make links and the website's navigational
structure obvious.
8. Consistent
Keep the navigation present and consistent
throughout the entire website, so users know where to
look for recurring options without having to search
for them on each page.
9. Avoid Animation
Animated graphics can also be a challenge
for visually impaired individuals. If animation is not
a critical component of your message, avoid using it
in your web design. Animated graphics are distracting,
and often aggravating for individuals with focal impairments.
10. Text Only
Many webmasters offer a text-only or
"print-friendly" version of important web content.
Consider this as an option, as it will help those with
text readers to completely understand and comprehend
your website.
Ultimately, a webmaster's goal should
be to make their website accessible and usable to as
many visitors as possible. With minor website changes,
webmasters can be assured they are not accidently or
unintentionally excluding the disabled population.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource
box is included and the links are active. A courtesy
copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would
be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
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at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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