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You may think that accessible designs are only for people with disabilities. Actually, accessible designs are for diverse groups, such as people who are limited to using low bandwidth, people who may not be fluent in the language, as well as people who are using a mobile phone to access the Internet.
In this conversation with accessibility and usability specialists Sarah Horton and Whitney Quesenbery, they explain how all users win when we design for accessibility first. And how Universal Design is the path that provides the best access to digital products for the widest audience.
Sarah is a consultant for strategic planning for websites and web applications. She also does accessibility and usability reviews. Sarah has written several books on topics from web design to accessibility for the web.
Whitney brings user research insights to designing products where people matter. She has written two other books on user experience and is co-director of the non-profit Center for Civic Design, working with election officials on usability and design of ballots and other election materials.
WE DISCUSS:
- The story behind A Web for Everyone
- Why accessibility should be part of design and not just a legal mandate
- Difference between accessibility and universal design
- Spectrum of accessibility strategies
- Common problems people have with web accessibility
- Designing with an “accessibility first” strategy
- How usability testing makes designs more effective
- Web standards and standards for authoring tools and authoring tool vendors
- Guidelines for visual presentation of content
TIME: 35 minutes
TRANSCRIPT: Download the ELC 028 Transcript.
RATE: Rate this podcast in iTunes
RESOURCES AND LINKS:
- A Web for Everyone by Sarah Horton and Whitney Quesenbery (Use Code AWFE for 20% off when you buy from Rosenfeld Media)
- Sarah Horton Design (Sarah’s website)
- WQUsability (Whitney’s website)
- Web Accessibility Initiatives (WAI) Easy Checks
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG)
Hi Jen,
I really learned a lot too and it expanded my awareness. Yes, I know HTML so alt-tags are not a new thing. But I will never again get lazy and not add them to the images in a web page. Also, I found it fascinating how improving accessibility improves usability for everyone, like curb cuts, for example. You are ahead of the game, if as a newbie, you work toward universal design. It’s really needed in this field.
Best,
Connie
Connie, as an instructional designer just beginning to explore all things universal design, I found this interview a wonderful learning experience. Kudos to you, Sarah, and Whitney for discussing the topic in depth. The conversation was engaging and educational!