Dichotomy of Accessibility and Dynamism Frank Gasking Accessibility

Dichotomy of Accessibility and Dynamism. Frank Gasking

Accessibility n n Less experienced users. People with poor access technology. n n Browser compatibility. n n n Narrowband connections. Ability to run Flash or Active X components. People with low technology (small processor, RAM). Disabilities. n n n Cognitive reading impairments (dyslexia, young age reading). Physical disabilities (speed to perform tasks). Visual impairments.

Dynamism n Use of new technologies. n n More and more technologies emerging. n n n Can create visually/mentally stimulating web experience. Flash animation and interactions. Java. Script forms (e. g. questionnaires). Animated GIF images. Embedded Java. Other plug ins. Could be used incorrectly and for wrong reasons. n Web navigation done completely in Flash (why? ).

Resolving the issue n Dynamism adds ability to convey complex ideas. n n n Should only use dynamic content when significant. n n To add to the experience for the majority of users. Should provide accessible equivalents. n n n Use of animation and interaction in web pages. But dynamism can reduce accessibility. Where a user cannot access dynamic material. e. g. descriptions for features which cannot be seen. W 3 C – Accessibility Guidelines. n Based on four accessibility guideline principles. n n Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust. “A/AA/AAA” grading scheme for accessible sites.