WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: Opening new windows

for

From: Mark Magennis
Date: Feb 9, 2005 5:41AM

> Is it the web developer's responsibility to teach users how
> they should
> use their own system? Or is the onus on the software manufacturers to
> make those options more obvious? Or the users themselves?

In my opinion, the software manufacturers bear a great deal of
responsibility and are in the best position to make a significant
difference. If you just look at what it is like for normal people to use
a PC running Windows. Many Windows applications, and Windows itself, are
vastly over complicated for most users. There is a definite emphasis on
adding functionality rather than increasing simplicity and usability.
What customisation is available is not coherently implemented and
usually makes things more complex rather than less. The whole thing ends
up being unfathomable and unpredictable for many users. Basically, it's
a complete mess. Imagine if cars were built like PC software. Nearly
everyone would be dead by now.

Mark