Title: Combining accessibility and credibility in website design

Authors: Derek O' Reilly, Maria Flood

Addresses: Department of Computing & Mathematics, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Co. Louth, Ireland. ' Maintenance Consultancy Ltd., Coolfore Road, Ardbraccane, Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland

Abstract: In recent years there has been considerable interest in making websites accessible to users with physical disabilities. There are many published works that suggest methodologies for developing websites that cater for users with disabilities. However, too often, websites developed using these methodologies are found to be non-appealing to the majority of able-bodied users. As a result, these websites lack credibility. This article discusses how a website can implement accessibility features and at the same time maintain credibility. This paper shows that the implementation of a minimal set of simple guidelines in website design can effect considerable results. The article first presents the suggested minimal set of guidelines and then provides an evaluation of the guidelines, based on website usage trials.

Keywords: website accessibility; website credibility; website usability; physical disabilities; disability access; web based communities; website design; web design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2008.016491

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.66 - 79

Published online: 02 Jan 2008 *

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