Accessibility and Usability

Posted At : June 18, 2007 4:28 PM
Related Categories: Web Development

Is your website accessible?

Most people would be stumped by that question. Few outside the industry have any concept what web accessibility is, let alone how to accomplish it. Yet, accessibility and usability are two very important concepts of web design today. An accessible website is one that conforms to standards that are designed to allow everyone, regardless of disability or technological limitation, to access the information it contains. Accessibility includes making your website viewable to all browsers, as well as conforming to design standards that make it easy for those with impared vision and hearing to access your content. An accessible website invites everyone to enjoy, not just those who can meet a certain standard of technical ability.

Why address accessibility and usability issues on your web site?

Ethical considerations aside, making your website accessible to all means increasing your audience. The more people who are able to view your site, the larger your potential audience becomes.

Whereas accessibility focuses on the ability of all types of browsers (including voice browsers for the visually impaired) to read your content, usability focuses on how easy it is for your visitors to navigate your website and find what they need. Both accessibility and usability can be built into your website from the start. Good website design makes your site accessible to all, and easy to use for everyone. Excellent website design goes beyond accessibility and usability standards and uses the principles of accessible website design to steer your visitors into using your website in the way that you want them to use it.

We specialise in creating accessible and highly usable websites by design. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you increase your website’s accessibility and usability, contact us for a chat.