web development standards and the importance of their application
The reason that these standards are important is to create a equalisation for web usage across the human population, according to the World health organisation about 15% of the world population have disabilities, around 3.8% of people aged 15yrs + have significant difficulties affecting their functioning, these standards allow this percentage of people to have access to the web sites & interface.
The level of importance (priority) is described by:
1. Level A = the lowest, a basic requirement the developer must meet failure to do so will be one or more groups that will NOT be able to access the content.
2. Level AA = Moderate, the developer should meet these requirements to remove significant barriers failure to do so will mean that one or more groups will find it hard to access the content
3. Level AAA = the Highest, the developer can address these to ensure greater access failure to do so will mean that one or more group will find it mildly hard to access content
1. Perceivable
The designer/developer must make sure the interface & content are easily perceived by users; we need to apply these standards so that the site is usable to biggest audience possible otherwise it will see little user traffic
1.1 Text alternatives for images – Level A
This will allow content to be changed to allow use of text based browser or speech readers, braille output devices & make it possible to search for images
1.2 Time-Based Media – ranging from level A to Level AAA
Adding text to video & audio this will allow it to be translated through other devices like braille output or for deaf people to read.
These can be achieved by 2 methods 1. create an audio description
2. make a text version of all content
1.3 Adaptable view – level A
This standard will allow the media to be viewed in different ways without losing data.
1.4 Distinguishable – ranging from level A to Level AAA
This will make it simpler for users to hear & see the content
2. Operable
Ensure layout of page & ability to use navigation must be available to as many people as possible including those with disabilities
2.1 Keyboard Accessible – ranging from level A to Level AAA
This is important so as to give users with motor function difficulties the ability use the site/interface.
2.2 Enough time – ranging from level A to Level AAA
Make sure to give users enough time to read, understand & use content on the site. It will cause great frustration & loss of interest in they miss information because of rushed time base of media.
2.3 Seizures – Level AAA
Flashes of images or colours can trigger seizures & high pitched noises can trigger intense headaches
· Don’t use flashing in text or images with frequency >2 Hz & < 55 Hz or anything that flashes more then 3 times in one second or high pitch frequencies in audio as these may induce seizures
2.4 Navigable – ranging from level A to Level AAA
Provide different & simple ways to navigate the site/interface
3. Understandable
For the site/interface to be fully utilized you must ensure that it is understood by majority users
3.1 Readable – ranging from level A to Level AA
This means to use content that is clear & simple that can be understood by general people.
3.2 Predictable – ranging from level A to Level AAA
Using a predictable behaviour for content in the design helps simplify access & makes using it easier & less frustrating.
3.3 Input Assistance – ranging from level A to Level AAA
This refers to techniques when using online forms to help users avoid mistakes & recover
from them if they do make one.
4. Robust
ensure that the interface can be accessed by Multiple browsers & multiple assistive devices
so that it will be compatible with future technologies
4.1 Compatibility – Level A
This is important as it ensures that the site is seen & operates the way it is intended to
https://www.w3.org/WAI/people-use-web/abilities-barriers/
https://accessibletech.org/accessibility-standards/
https://usability.yale.edu/web-accessibility/articles/types-disabilities
https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/section-508-standards#subpart_a
https://buyict4all.org/ict-accessibility-standard/web-content-accessibility-guidelines-wcag-2-1
https://buyict4all.org/ict-accessibility-standard
https://www.accessibility.org.au/guides/what-is-the-wcag-standard/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_Content_Accessibility_Guidelines
https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/?versions=2.0
https://www.soswebdesign.com/gallery/webstandards.cfm
https://buyict4all.org/ict-accessibility-standard/introduction-to-the-en-301-549
https://courses.idrc.ocadu.ca/understandinga11y/1_perceivable.html
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