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Universal Design is the process of creating products (devices, environments,
systems, and processes) which are usable by people with the widest possible
range of abilities, operating within the widest possible range of situations
(environments, conditions, and circumstances).
Web developers should be aware that
a diverse group of people will visit their Web pages. Some visitors:
- cannot see graphics because of visual impairments.
- cannot hear audio because of hearing impairments.
- use slow connections and modems and choose not to view graphics.
- have difficulty when screens are unorganized, inconsistent and cluttered
and when descriptions and instructions are unclear. They may have difficulties
because of learning disabilities, English is their second language, or they
are younger than your average visitor.
General Web Design Tips:
- Adopt a simple design template for your Website which includes consistent
navigational aids and avoid complex or graphic intense backgrounds.
- Use standard HTML tags that are supported by all Web browsers.
- Using the ALT attribute, always provide a text-based alternative to image
maps, graphic, video and audio material.
- Avoid using Tables and Frames that are not supported by all browsers and
that can not be easily read by screen reading software.
- Test, test, test your pages with several Web Browsers including LYNX and
on PC, MAC, and UNIX platforms.
For guidelines on creating web pages using "universal design" refer to the
following web sites:
Text adopted from DO-IT and Trace Center Publications
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