The word "accessibility," in Wikipedia's terms, is simply put: the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. It makes sense as to why we use the term when it comes to web design. One who makes a webpage usually doesn't want to keep the site to himself. He wants to share the site and in order to have a popular/successful site he has to be sure it is accessible by it's users.
One big thing that has changed just over the past five years is the number of smart devices that people can use to access their favorite sites. You have mobile phones, tablets like the ipad, e-readers like the kindle, even mp3 players and GPS units have access to web browsers these days. With this in mind, one of the best bets for your website is to have a mobile version for the accessibility of on-the-go users.
Of course, I have found, that mobile device accessibility is not the only characteristic of a good site. Some other things you have to keep in mind are visual impairments, audio assistance, and physical/mobility issues. When looking at a site or creating your own a good place to start an evaluation is with the Web Accessibility Initiation's (WAI) guidelines. They range from text language to color choice.
I think this week of accessibility has really opened my eyes to some key things I will need to include in my webpage design.
Stay Golden
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Stop, COLLABORATE, and Listen
In 2011, it is hard not to take an online class and not have to collaborate with your peers. The nice thing is that ways of communicating are getting easier and easier. You don't agree? Read Thomas L. Friedman's The World is Flat and you may opinion may change.
Because last week's and this week's lessons focused around collaboration (and the evaluation of webpages, which I will mention at the end) it really got me thinking about all of the tools one can use to connect, communicate, and, of course, collaborate.
Personally, I feel that the easiest to use and set up is Google Docs. I have even had real time conversations (instant message style) using a Google Doc before. Other great connection tools are Skype, Elluminate, and even Facebook events/messenger/groups.
After working with my team to make the assessment rubric, I now have a hard time not thinking about the different assessment characteristics. The assignment really opened my eyes to qualities that make up a good website.
Because last week's and this week's lessons focused around collaboration (and the evaluation of webpages, which I will mention at the end) it really got me thinking about all of the tools one can use to connect, communicate, and, of course, collaborate.
Personally, I feel that the easiest to use and set up is Google Docs. I have even had real time conversations (instant message style) using a Google Doc before. Other great connection tools are Skype, Elluminate, and even Facebook events/messenger/groups.
After working with my team to make the assessment rubric, I now have a hard time not thinking about the different assessment characteristics. The assignment really opened my eyes to qualities that make up a good website.
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