ScotConnect: Web Design
We build Web sites that are both usable and accessible: increasing benefits to companies, organizations and customers. All the Web sites we create are designed in line with the World Wide Consortium Accessibility Guidelines (http://www.w3.org) - our aim is to improve access for everyone whilst creating good looking and usable sites.
Why should you have an accessible Web site
At the heart of the idea of accessibility on the internet is the notion that there is no 'standardised information consumer' and no standardised device being used to access the information to be found on the internet. i.e. everyone is not using the same type of computer, the same type of browser or can be assumed to have the same physical or sensory abilities.
- Six million disabled people in the UK could be set to miss out on the benefits of the digital revolution unless the issues of access on the Web are addressed.
- People using various Web browsing technology, older browsers, and different types of computers cannot access many sites. Accessible Web sites can be found on both Apple Macs and PCs, Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, text only browsers such as Lynx and speciality browsers (for example:pwWebSpeak for people with visual impairments and people using).
- Individuals and businesses using the special devices to access the Internet e.g.Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) such as Palm Pilots, mobile phones to view the Web, or Digital Television - can encounter problems when sites are not accessible.
- Accessible Web sites are more usable - therefore information can be found more easily and visitors to the site are more likely to return.
- Well designed accessible Web sites are indexed by more search engines (search engines spiders and robots find accessible Web sites more easily) increasing the number of visitors to these sites.
We aim to build Web sites which are flexible enought to be adapted to the needs of the user. The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) on their Web site (http:www.rnib.org.uk/wedo/research/hints.htm) explain how this relates to blind or visually impared users.
"Some people prefer large text, while others can only read smaller text. Most people need a highly contrasting colour scheme, while others can only read yellow text on a black background."
Flexible design enables the individual to adjust the Web site to suit their own specific needs.
Accessible sites are about making multimedia content accessible to as wide an audience as possible. It does not mean you cannot use images, video, sound and so on.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
In terms of making sure the information you are producing is accessible, organisations - particularly organisations in the public sector - should be aware of the links between accessibility on the Web and Social Inclusion and Full Citizenship issues.
Apart from ethical issues there are also legal issues to consider The Disability Rights Commission (http://www.drc-gb.org/) aims to eliminate discrimination against disabled people and "take appropriate steps with a view to encouraging good practice in the treatment of disabled persons". Local Authorities and Health Boards are required by legislation to provide inforamtion about their services to disabled people.
As yet there has been no test case in the UK however in Australia and America lack large organisations have been successfully challenged - including Sydney Olympic Committee and America On Line. The Sydney Olympic Comittee was successfully taken to Court because disabled people could not access their Web site and AOL when challenged develope their America Online Accessibility Policy.
"America Online is continuing to lead efforts around the globe to make the Internet a medium that improves people's lives. At AOL, we value our members and strive to provide them with the highest quality, easiest, and most convenient services and products. We also believe that the Internet and AOL should be friendly and easy-to-use for all consumers." (http://corp.aol.com/access_policy.html)
The Approach at ScotConnect
When it comes to designing Web sites at ScotConnect we have a very distinct approach - not 'cutting edge', not flash but good looking sites built on the back of experience (5 years worth) and lots of research about what works and what doesn't.
We design sites which are attractive and useable but, in terms of technology, are not cutting edge - no blank screens and crashed browsers because you don't want to spend all of your time replying to e-mails from people telling you that your pages don't work.
Here are some examples of Accessible Web sites designed by ScotConnect:
http://www.glasgowwestend.co.ukhttp://www.lansdownebar.co.uk
http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/festival/
http://www.annemcguiremp.org.uk/Index.html
Prior to designing your Web site we will explore with you the needs and wants of your potential audience and the aims you have for your Web site. This will provide the basis for developing a successful site.
If you are interested in:
- putting up your first Web site
- redesigning your existing site
- improving the accessibility and usability of your Web site
- want to know how a Web site could help your business
- require training, consultancy or advice
Pat Byrne
ScotConnect Internet Services
23 Glasgow St, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8JW
Tel: 0141 334 1650
e-mail: pat@glasgowwestend.co.uk