Everyday inclusive Web design: an activity perspective
<br><b>Introduction.</b> The accessibility of Websites to people with disabilities is a problem that affects millions of people. Current accessibility initiatives generally target large government or commercial sites. A rapidly growing segment of online content is created by non-p...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of Borås
2007-01-01
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| Series: | Information Research: An International Electronic Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://informationr.net/ir/12-3/paper309.html |
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| Summary: | <br><b>Introduction.</b> The accessibility of Websites to people with disabilities is a problem that affects millions of people. Current accessibility initiatives generally target large government or commercial sites. A rapidly growing segment of online content is created by non-professionals. This content is often inaccessible, thereby excluding users with disabilities. <br><b>Method.</b> Activity theory is used to provide a model of the activities of non-professional, 'end-user' designers. Drawing from the author's experiences with technology learners, a holistic model of end-user Web design is produced. <br><b>Analysis.</b> The activity model is divided into three components. The activities of end-user designers, tool designers and Website consumers are examined. Potential barriers to the adoption of accessibility practices are identified. <br><b>Results.</b> Barriers to accessibility can occur within individual activity systems, or may be caused by interactions between systems. The accessibility of this content cannot be addressed by a single party, but requires collaboration between the designer and toolmaker. End-user designers work within a complex social environment and may face uncertainty regarding their roles as designers that affects their awareness of accessibility. <br><b>Conclusion.</b> . Increasing the accessibility of user-produced content may require a holistic approach. An activity model may be helpful in producing tools and educational materials |
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| ISSN: | 1368-1613 |