2.5 Accessibility - use of technology

People use MACs as well as PCs, have different versions of software not just the most recent, use different Web browsers, and different versions of those browsers not just the most recent.

• Examples of different Web browsers include:
  (a) Microsoft Internet Explorer (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp) [Opens in new browser window];
  (b) AOL Netscape (http://www.netscape.com) [Opens in new browser window];
  (c) Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org) [Opens in new browser window].
  
  
• Use open Internet standards, not proprietary formats.
  
  
• If possible, test your site with different browsers to see that it will work and how it looks.

Complex technical design and the use of additional software are barriers to people with older technology or inexperienced in using computers and the Internet. They can also be expensive in connect time.

• Avoid using software that requires plug-ins such as Flash.
  
  
• Avoid using frames, or offer a frame-free version.
  
  
• Be careful how you use tables. There are lots of accessibility issues associated with these. For more information check the World Wide Web Consortium's Web site (http://www.w3.org/WAI/) [Opens in new browser window].
  
  
• Make sure that your site downloads quickly, especially the home page:
  (a) as a general rule of thumb, some text must be readable within 10 seconds.
  
  
• Avoid large graphics. They can take a long time to download.
  
  
• If you have large documents as PDF or word-processed files:
  (a) say how large they are so people can decide whether to download them;
  (b) provide a text summary;
  (c) for PDF files, give a link to the ADOBE site for users to obtain the free reader software (http://www.adobe.co.uk/products/acrobat/readstep2.html) [Opens in new browser window].

Only use a technique in your design if you have a good reason to do so. Unnecessary design elements are annoying and frustrating to users.

• Avoid splash pages; a home page where the user has to click on an "enter" button to access the site or wait a short while for entry.
  
  
• Avoid the use of gimmicks, for example, blinking text, animations, spinning logos, 3D graphics, music, clip art.
  
  
• Be sparing of technology, for example, Javascript, Flash, and only use it if it has a real purpose.

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© Copyright for this site is held by Contact a Family and the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, Northumbria University. Site published February 2003. Last updated September 2008. Review date September 2009.