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Thread: RE: Accessibility Observations

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From: Goula, Gina
Date: Tue, Feb 26 2002 5:57AM
Subject: RE: Accessibility Observations
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"Why not just design a site that is visually appealing, but linear? I
realize designers (especially corporate designers) don't want to sacrifice
visual appeal and layout for the sighted just because they have to also make
it accessible."


I think that I'll be designing 2 sites for the same content. Accessible
sites that are linear sites, text only, whatever makes it easier for those
with "mouse" difficulties.

Regarding "sacrificing visual appeal" - Designers design interfaces
depending on what the content is. Visual "weighting" of images and content
on a page plays a huge role in marketing. You move content that isn't
getting the "click" attention higher up on the page, change the text to red,
etc....

From the Web Design Wow Book:

If the site is designed as a tool - to allow visitors to get the tech
support information they seek or to buy tickets to ride a commuter train -
the interface should be transparent so users can get what they came for.

If the site's primary goal is education, the interface needs to be engaging
enough to encourage participation and learning.

If the site is intended to promote or sell a product or service, the
interface has a big role to play in making it easy for potential buyers to
get he information they need to make a decision. It has to help motivate
them to take action......


Gina
Gina M. Goula
Web Designer
DynCorp Systems & Solutions, LLC
(703) 261-5113
"My life has a superb cast - but I can't figure out the plot" - - Ashleigh
Brilliant