Web Editor Training

What is Universal Design? 

We approach good content creation through the lens of what’s called Universal Design.

• Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. … By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process, universal design creates products, services and environments that meet peoples' needs. Simply put, universal design is good design. (Emphasis mine, source: http://universaldesign.ie/)

 Principles

1. Equitable Use
   • The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use
   • The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
   • Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information
   • The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error
   • The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort
   • The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
   • Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

“The average user is going to be fine. Why bother with universal design?”

Because the ‘average user’ doesn’t exist! There are times when we have all found ourselves in sub-optimal circumstances. Keeping Universal Design in mind accounts for…

• Technological factors:
  • Slow internet or expensive data (like personal hot spot)
    • This is why we make pages lightweight whenever possible
  • Older/smaller computer screen
    • This is why we utilize HTML structure and responsive designs that natively “flow” into different screen sizes
  • Mobile ONLY (small screen, often in public, possibly paying for data, harder access to VPN, etc.)
    • Another reason to keep things simple, and locate like content in close proximity for ease of use and discovery
• Environmental and mental/emotional factors:
  • Distraction:
    • Walking while reading
    • Caring for children
  • Noise:
    • Reading or watching content in a loud space (like Mem Hall)
  • Mental state:
    • In a hurry, late
    • Stressed about other life events, or intimidated by the task
    • Depressed, tired: any other mental or emotional state that might affect our cognitive ability!
• Variations in ability:
  • ADHD
  • Dyslexia
  • low vision
  • limited mobility
    • short-term (like recovering from an injury) 
    • permanent or long-term (may be using assistive devices)

How do we apply these concepts to make content broadly usable?

• Generally speaking: we always want there to be more than one way to absorb information.
  • Things to consider: 
    • If it’s text, is it readable by a machine?
    • If it’s an image or video, is there a text equivalent?
    • For interactions, can someone operate this using methods other than a mouse? Ex: tab key, finger tip (touch screen), screen reader.
• The language we use goes a long way:
  • Things to consider: 
    • Is it clear?
      • Have I avoided jargon… or explained it wherever it’s unavoidable?
      • Have I used appropriate vocabulary for a broad reading level?
    • Can I get the main ideas at a quick glance?
      • Does the language in my headings describe what’s in them? 
      • Have I bolded or set apart main ideas for quick absorption? 
      • Have I provided descriptive link text? (NO: “click here” YES: “view Purchase recommendation form”)
    • Is it easily discernible where I’d go to dig deeper into any topics presented?
• If you follow best practices, you’re likely a) making content usable for a broad audience, and b) making it accessible for differently-abled users. The biggest parts of these are:
  • Page structure
    • Heading tags, lists: Increase general readability but are also essential for screen reader users
  • Alt text and captions
    • Provide more than one way to experience media (ex: can’t hear audio in loud room, or don’t want to wake the baby)