Newsletter issue #21 - 1st December 2005
This issue
Hello and welcome to the December edition of the Webcredible newsletter!
In this issue:
- User-centered design (UCD) - 6 methods
- Top tip: Improve accessibility for dexterity impaired users
- Useful program: IBM Homepage Reader
- Top link: Juicy Studio
- New articles in November
- Webcredible news in November
Enjoy!
User-centered design (UCD) - 6 methods
User-centered design (UCD) is an approach that puts the intended users of a site at the centre of its design and development. In this month's feature article, we describe the six most common methods for UCD and let you know how and when they should be employed. Using UCD throughout the design process will dramatically improve conversion and task completion rates for the website.
Read this article in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-usability/user-centered-design.shtml.
Top tip: Improve accessibility for dexterity impaired users
The needs of dexterity impaired web users can often be overlooked when planning and executing accessible websites. Web users with dexterity impairments will often navigate through web pages by tabbing from one link to the next. They may also use a mouse, but with rather limited control over it. Usability can be greatly improved for these users by following some simple guidelines:
- Visible skip links Skip links are placed at the top of HTML pages, primarily for screen reader users to jump straight to a specific place on the page. Most frequently used is the 'Skip to main content' link, which when activated will take users straight to the page content. Skip links are also useful for dexterity impaired users so should be made visible to these users too. If necessary, you can keep the link invisible and make it appear when users tab on to it.
- Focus background on links When tabbing through a website, it can sometimes be difficult to spot where you are on the page. By assigning a background colour to the focus state on links, it's instantly very obvious where you are on the page. Each link that you tab on to will have a background colour on it.
- Large link target Dexterity impaired web users using a mouse will usually find it difficult to aim at small links. As such, it can often be beneficial to these users to increase the link area, either by inserting an extra word or two into the link text or including white space in the link (the latter is particularly appropriate for vertical navigation lists, where the full width of the column can be included in the link).
Useful program: IBM Home Page Reader
The IBM Home Page Reader is a popular screen reader designed solely for use with websites. You can download it for a free 30 day trial or get the full version for just under $100.
You can use this program at www-306.ibm.com/able/solution_offerings/hpr.html.
Top link: Juicy Studio
Juicy Studio is a great resource for any web manager or developer interested in accessibility. Run by Gez Lemon, the site reports on new developments in accessibility and CSS, in addition to offering some nifty quality assurance programs.
Check out this useful site at www.juicystudio.com.
New articles in November
Read these and many other articles at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources.
Webcredible news in November
- Netimperative to provide Webcredible's white papers
- Trenton Moss in Enterprising Young Brits final
- Webcredible presents accessibility award
- Superheroes bring accessibility and usability to the web!
Read these news stories in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/about-us/latest-news.shtml.
Training courses
Courses continue to sell out well in advance! Our next training courses will take place in our training centre in Aldgate, London in December and January:
- Writing for the web training - Tuesday 17th January. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our writing for the web training page.
- Web usability training - Wednesday 18th January. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our web usability training page.
- Web accessibility training - Thursday 8th December & Thursday 19th January. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our web accessibility training page.
- Advanced CSS training - Friday 9th December & Friday 20th January. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our advanced CSS training page.
About Webcredible
Based in London, UK, Webcredible is a user experience consultancy. Tailor-made usability, accessibility & design solutions include:
- User-centered design
- Accessible web design
- CMS services
- Usability
- Accessibility
- Training
- Website review lite
Please contact us on 0870 242 6095 or info at webcredible.co.uk, or consult www.webcredible.co.uk for further information.