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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
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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