Introduction
The aim of universal design of websites is that of being accessible and easily comprehensible by any person without customising or having a design that addresses specific needs or disability (Government of Ireland, 2005, p. 46).
In order to explain and understand the universal design for websites this case study examines the website of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA is a statutory body that “promotes improvement in the quality and safety of health and social care services, assesses health technologies, and advises on the use of health information.” (HIQA, 2016). The case study evaluates the universal design of HIQA’s website under the seven principles of universal design.
Principle One: Equitable …show more content…
HIQA website does not fully adhere to principle six of universal design. The HIQA website content is difficult to read and causes eyestrain to the user due to the small size of the font and the blocks of text without sufficient spacing on some of the webpages (See Picture G1). The HIQA website is inaccessible to users who would only use keyboard controls as the limited keystrokes usability on the website.
Principle Seven: Size and Space for Approach and Use Principle seven of universal design relates to having “appropriate size and space for all people despite their capabilities (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, 2016c). Similar to principle four requirement, web design should provide adequate space between functional and navigation controls on the webpage in order for all users for easy of accessibility and use (CANnect, …show more content…
Secondly, the recommendations of principle three that the HIQA Webmaster should review the breaking up of long webpages into multiple webpages. Thirdly, that the HIQA website design has a review of how the inadequate spacing of text elements on webpages impact the functionality of the user as stated in principle four’s recommendation. These three recommendations would reduce user eyestrain. Finally, keystroke functionality should be factored into the design of the HIQA website to allow all users an additional choice in website access and likewise would adhere to the low physical effort
The aim of universal design of websites is that of being accessible and easily comprehensible by any person without customising or having a design that addresses specific needs or disability (Government of Ireland, 2005, p. 46).
In order to explain and understand the universal design for websites this case study examines the website of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA is a statutory body that “promotes improvement in the quality and safety of health and social care services, assesses health technologies, and advises on the use of health information.” (HIQA, 2016). The case study evaluates the universal design of HIQA’s website under the seven principles of universal design.
Principle One: Equitable …show more content…
HIQA website does not fully adhere to principle six of universal design. The HIQA website content is difficult to read and causes eyestrain to the user due to the small size of the font and the blocks of text without sufficient spacing on some of the webpages (See Picture G1). The HIQA website is inaccessible to users who would only use keyboard controls as the limited keystrokes usability on the website.
Principle Seven: Size and Space for Approach and Use Principle seven of universal design relates to having “appropriate size and space for all people despite their capabilities (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, 2016c). Similar to principle four requirement, web design should provide adequate space between functional and navigation controls on the webpage in order for all users for easy of accessibility and use (CANnect, …show more content…
Secondly, the recommendations of principle three that the HIQA Webmaster should review the breaking up of long webpages into multiple webpages. Thirdly, that the HIQA website design has a review of how the inadequate spacing of text elements on webpages impact the functionality of the user as stated in principle four’s recommendation. These three recommendations would reduce user eyestrain. Finally, keystroke functionality should be factored into the design of the HIQA website to allow all users an additional choice in website access and likewise would adhere to the low physical effort