WEEK 7: READING BLOG

Chapter 11 illustrates on the importance of having user accessibility on a website. I had never thought about the need for accessibility on the web and assumed that the people who used the web would have the full ability to do so. Although after reading this chapter, I found myself in complete agreement with Krug on the simple fact that “making sites more usable for “the rest of us” is one of the most effective ways to make them more effective for people with disabilities.” It is easy and ignorant to believe that the majority of the population who uses the web is the same. This kind of mindset disregards the reality that even people with disabilities can access and use the web. For years now, the web has become an increasingly common and convenient tool and a primary resource for information. How can anyone conclude that only a specific demographic that excludes disabilities uses the web? Krug explains that web designers and developers most often fear two things about the implementation of accessibility. The first fear is that it is more work, “just one more complicated new thing to fit into an already impossible project schedule”. The second fear is the result of a compromised design which will be “less appealing and less useful for the majority of their audience”. Frankly, this is their chosen profession and making a website that has good usability and accessibility to all users should be included in the job description. I always have more appreciation and respect for those who go a little beyond the requirements of their task because it shows that they actually care for their users and not just about getting the job done. Why not make everyone happy and feel good about doing your job that much better? As Krug states, it is just the right thing to do.

In Chapter 12, Krug provides sample letters that can be given to bosses with irrational web design demands. Is it really possible to use these letters on your boss when dealing with bad design decisions? Although Krug’s letters deliver some very valuable insights and can serve to be useful in this type of situation, I would probably consider using his letters as a last resort or at least once I have grown the balls to face the possibility of getting canned.

Related Links:
http://www.infinitcolours.com/
http://www.theologos.gr/
http://www.digaworks.com/