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Usability

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 Websites presented in alphabetical order

Consumer Reports WebWatch view detail comment email this

The purpose of this site is to "investigate, inform, and improve the quality of information published on the World Wide Web." Areas include travel, health, books, pet supplies, banking, electronics, gardening, and much more. A grant-funded project of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports.
http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet, Web Design and Management
Last updated Dec 12, 2006


Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) view detail comment email this

Web site from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the official maintainers of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). "Here you will find pointers to ... specifications for HTML/XHTML, guidelines on how to use HTML/XHTML to the best effect, and pointers to related work at W3C." Includes information about CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), XHTML, accessibility guidelines, validation, best practices, and more.
http://www.w3.org/MarkUp/
Topics: Web Design and Management
Last updated Sep 29, 2003


Library Terms That Users Understand view detail comment email this

The goal of this site is to "help library web developers decide how to label key resources and services in such a way that most users can understand them well enough to make productive choices." Includes links to usability studies, suggested best practices, and a list of related resources, some paper-based and some on the Web. From John Kupersmith, a librarian at the University of California, Berkeley.
http://www.jkup.net/terms.html
Topics: Librarianship, Social Science, Web Design and Management
Last updated Dec 18, 2002


A Primer for Accessible Web Pages view detail comment email this

Brief, clear guidance for designing Web pages that comply with federal guidelines for accessibility.
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/javascript/synd/2001/11/30/accessibility.html
Topics: Computers, Disabilities, Internet, Law, Web Design and Management
Last updated Aug 31, 2002


SATH: Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality view detail comment email this

Features information about trips, tours, and cruises; tips in choosing a travel agent; travel articles; links to individual airlines' customer service policies; an events calendar; and related accessibility websites. SATH's mission is "to raise awareness of the needs of all travelers with disabilities, remove physical and attitudinal barriers to free access and expand travel opportunities in the United States and abroad."
http://www.sath.org/
Topics: Disabilities, Travel, Web Design and Management
Last updated Jul 22, 2006


Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards view detail comment email this

This site has the regulations (issued December 21, 2000) which require the U.S. federal agencies to procure information technology and communications systems that are fully accessible or which can easily be made fully accessible (including Web sites). There is a summary of the standards, a regulatory assessment, background, and links to related Web sites. From The Access Board, a Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.
http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm
Topics: Computers, Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Disabilities, Internet, Web Design and Management
Last updated Apr 27, 2003


Test your Website: A 57-Point Checklist for Maximum Usability view detail comment email this

"So you’ve got a website, but do you know whether it’s usable or not? The answer to this question can make the difference between a successful site and one that's just ignored. Go through this checklist to make sure your site is up to snuff." Topics include navigation, anchor text, site maps, animation, dates for content, supporting alternative browsers, and email links. From a resource about retail virtual hosting plans.
http://www.virtualhosting.com/blog/2008/test-your-website-a-57-point-checklist-for-maximum-usability/
Topics: Web Design and Management
Last updated Nov 3, 2008


Usability.gov view detail comment email this

The National Cancer Institute provides information on designing accessible Web sites and user interfaces. "The site comprises original content in addition to links to external Web sites, resources, and articles." Topics include design methods, how to measure system performance and traffic, Research-Based Web Design and Usability Guidelines , statistics, and market research.
http://usability.gov/
Topics: Computers, Internet, Web Design and Management
Last updated Nov 11, 2003


useit.com: Jakob Nielsen's Website view detail comment email this

Jakob Nielsen is a Web design consultant and an authority on Web site usability. useit.com (usable information technology) archives information (extending back to 1995) on such topics as mistakes Web designers make, Web site usability for users with disabilities, guidelines for homepage usability, technical information about bandwidth and browsers, and much more. Includes reports, book reviews, links to related sites, and interviews with Nielson. Searchable.
http://www.useit.com/
Topics: Web Design and Management
Last updated Jun 1, 2005


UW Library Usability view detail comment email this

Information from the University of Washington (UW) Libraries about how it conducts usability testing for library websites. "Evaluating the usability of a particular information system or webpage can take many forms: user surveys, focus groups, interviewing, heuristic evaluations, and usability testing." Includes information about selecting and implementing tests, links to sites, and a short bibliography. (Some information is specific to UW.)
http://www.lib.washington.edu/usability/
Topics: Computers, Computers, Librarianship, Web Design and Management
Last updated Aug 15, 2005


Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) view detail comment email this

This W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) site provides accessibility guidance for page authors and Web site developers.
http://www.w3.org/WAI/
Topics: Computers, Internet, Web Design and Management
Last updated Aug 31, 2002


Writing for the Web view detail comment email this

Best practices for this "new and emerging skill." Emphasizes the importance of easily-scanned sentence structure, visual organization of information, and accessibility. The section "Writing for disabled people" addresses learning-disabled readers as well as visual disabilities. Includes examples. From UKOLN, based at the University of Bath, England.
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/nof/support/help/papers/writing-web/
Topics: Communications, Computers, English Language, Internet, Literature & Books, Mental Conditions, Web Design and Management, Writing
Last updated Jan 6, 2004




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