Create A Website Customized For Its Viewers
People are different from one another. That may seem to be fairly easy to comprehend, but lots of entrepreneurs don't keep it in mind as they build a website. We each have our own specific vision needs, browsers and software programs, handicaps, and other specific elements that make us the internet users we are. Each of us is one of a kind and you want to render your information, merchandise and/or services completely accessible to everyone.
Think about somebody who is getting older. Somebody that is older should have the first choice from a sales perspective because somebody who is older probably has had enough time to save money and create wealth. But, older people are beginning to have decreased eye sight. This is not a problem because the words of the text can be adjusted to a bigger size. Or, could they? If you don't consider this function when you build a website, people who need a bigger text size won't be able to use important features of the website.
When you make a website, it is important to consider what colors to use. Color blindness, in one way or another, is quite common in contrast to what most people think. With the average types of color blindness most people can see colors, but they can't see the difference between the shades of colors that look somewhat alike. When you design a website, you should use contrast and stay away from colors that symbolize a concept. For example the words "items marked in red are not available" is a concept that you should not use.
Now consider mobility restraints. At any time, the number of people who can't operate a mouse may actually be higher than you think. Perhaps an accident restricts their coordination or agility? For several reasons, you should always consider that your users may not be using a mouse when you make a website.
It does not take much effort to create a website that is fully accessible using just the keyboard. In order to get a feel for it, try simulating keyboard navigation by using just the keyboard, without the mouse, to navigate your favorite web sites for an hour or two. You will find that some sites are far easier than others to work with and to navigate. Now, how does your site compare?
Lastly, consider what software your visitor may be using. Thousands of operating system/browser/preference combos exist. Do you exclude any? Consider a site which relies on JavaScript to draw links in a fancy, drop-down menu. Do you know it's quite common for workplaces to disable this program for security reasons? This means anyone browsing the web at work--people who make money to spend on your products--might not be able to follow the link to your check-out page! Try to create a website which does not leave users out due to their software.
To recap, the three big issues are mobility, software, and sight. Cater to them, and they will cater to you. With these best practices in mind, you can confidently create a website that will maximize its intent. You'll get more visitors, more repeat visitors, and happier visitors. This is a great way to run a successful business.
Sight, mobility, and software are the three issues facing web developers. When you build a website, it's important to take consideration to the color scheme. Create a website that uses contrast and avoid using colors to represent content meaning. Now consider mobility restraints. You should consider that your users may not be using a mouse when you make a website. Lastly, think about what software your visitor could already be using. There are many different configurations of browsers, operating systems and user preferences. When you develop a website, users shouldn't be prevented from navigating because of the software they run. Pay attention to those issues, and you will be rewarded.
Published August 12th, 2008
Filed in Business, Marketing, Web Design