Unit 8 Reading

Finishing the book...

Guideline for Accessible & Usable Web Sites: Observing Users Who Work With Screen Readers.

Personally, I have always tried to include a text statement on every link for my feeble website - keeping the disabled in mind. Also, if somehow, there is a problem with a picture, I try to have a descriptive title there. Blind or not it is best to be able to read a title with the cursor.

I found it very intriguing that blind people are more impatient than most seeing people when looking over a site: If the opening statement isn't catchy - they leave & you lose!
A good thought to keep in mind with any article or site.


Cascading style sheets!
Greater control of formatting, flexibility, Consistency

- Alternate text to every image
- Make Forms work with screen readers
- Have a link to skip to Main Content
- Make all content accessible by Key Board
- Don't use Java Script - for now
- Use Client side image maps

Then - The perils of asking for too much personal information & data.
Most people are private - some VERY private - even secretive.
They do not like it when a site or business is overbearing, pretentious & demanding.
This is offensive to visitors/subscribers. If it takes too long or asks too much they will leave. 
They are also likely to spread bad rumors about the site or business & never to return.

Flashy is annoying. There has to be a balance between looking good & working well.
"Sizzle" doesn't work on a business site.

I love, "Never say Never."
It reminds me of Fine Art: "Nothing is Cast in Stone" & even if it is it can be carved, cracked, chiseled or sand-blasted!

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The Practice of Creativity looked very familiar to me...
Very interesting sample of a test study for a site - rather eye opening:
http://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/imprint_downloads/peachpit/peachpit/videosampleclips/krug/SteveKrugUsabilityDemo.m4v

This was interesting & practical:
http://www.nngroup.com/

Interesting observation:
http://www.formsthatwork.com/