Newsletter issue #17 - 1st August 2005
This issue
Hello and welcome to the August edition of the Webcredible newsletter!
In this issue:
- Feature article: The problem with automated accessibility testing tools
- Top tip: Use descriptive page titles
- Useful program: We we calculator
- Top link: Digital Web Magazine
- New articles in July
- Webcredible news in July
Enjoy!
Feature article: The problem with automated accessibility testing tools
Automated accessibility testing tools have been around for a while now and have historically been a useful way of checking websites for accessibility. They're certainly very convenient as they can quickly check every page on a website, saving you from having to laboriously sift through each page on your site. Before investing your time (and perhaps money) in signing up to one of these tools, be sure to consider some of the problems associated with them...
Read this article in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-accessibility/automated-tools.shtml.
Top tip: Use descriptive page titles
The page title is what identifies each and every page and appears in the top-left hand corner of the screen, in the area where it says Microsoft Internet Explorer (if you're using Internet Explorer, that is). It's also what appears in the navigation history when using the back or forward buttons, in the taskbar when the window is minimised and also in your favourites folder. As such it's really important the title is descriptive, something's that's easily achievable by following our top tips on this:
- Short and succinct Generally speaking, we don't read on the web - we scan. As such, less is more, so the more succinct the page title the easier it is to glance at it and gain an understanding of its meaning. Additionally, the navigation history (accessed through the back and forward buttons) and the taskbar only display a limited number of characters.
- Important information first Because we scan on the web, it's often only the first few words that web users pick up from the page title. Many websites begin each page title with the company name, but it might be better to move this to the end. Instead of 'Computer Systems Inc - IBM laptops', it may be better to say 'IBM laptops from Computer Systems Inc'.
- Makes sense out of context Because web users will view the page title in the navigation history (accessed through the back and forward buttons), taskbar and favourites, it's essential that it makes sense without the rest of the web page visible.
Useful program: We we calculator
Run any web page through the We we calculator and it'll tell you how customer-focused the language on the page is. It does this by analysing the number of times your company name or the word 'we' is used, compared to the number of times the word 'you' is used.
You can use access this program at www.futurenowinc.com/wewe.htm.
Top link: Digital Web Magazine
Digital Web is an excellent online magazine aimed at professional web designers, web developers and information architects. Every week or so the website publishes one or two highly informative articles.
Check this site out at www.digital-web.com.
New articles in July
Read these and many other articles at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources.
Webcredible news in July
- Webcredible gets new Office Manager
- Training dates in August now available
- Webcredible moves to larger offices
Read these news stories in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/about-us/latest-news.shtml.
Training courses
Courses continue to sell out very quickly! Our next courses with available places will take place in our training centre in Aldgate, London in August:
- Web accessibility training - Tuesday 30th August. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our web accessibility training page.
- Advanced CSS training - Wednesday 31st August. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our advanced CSS training page.
Web accessibility & CSS support packages
We now offer a range of accessibility and CSS support packages, offering you access to one of our accessibility consultants anytime you like. Please read more about this innovative service in our web accessibility and CSS help section.
About Webcredible
Based in London, UK, Webcredible is a user experience consultancy. Tailor-made usability, accessibility & design solutions include:
- User research
- User-centered design
- Accessible CSS web design
- Training courses & support
- Website reviews
- Usability lab hire
Please contact us on 020 7423 6320 or info at webcredible.co.uk, or consult www.webcredible.co.uk for further information.
