Module Resources
Access to studio space and lecture/seminar room with blackout and digital presentation hardware. Access to digital storage. Computer workshop facilities and appropriate software.
Module Texts
Building Accessible Websites, Joe Clark, New Riders 2002, ISBN 0-7357-1150-x
Don't Make Me Think, Steve Krug, New Riders 2000, ISBN 0-7897-2310-7
Websites:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines for Public Sites (http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/accessibility/web/wai_2002/index_en.htm)
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) (http://www.w3.org/WAI/)
Module Learning Strategies
This module requires you to recognize that accessibility and usability design impacts users ability to access your work. The learning activity centres on analyzing an online or offline piece of work and determining the level of compliance with W3 and European Union accessibility standards.
1. Read assigned texts and attend lectures and tutorials to discuss the readings.
2. Consider accessibility and usability in context of your own work.
3. Conduct a detailed breakdown of different user groups and how the differences will impact design.
Module Indicative Content
Designing accessible multimedia artefacts is more than just the law, it's a smart design approach. In this module you will learn about current European Union law concerning multimedia accessibility as well as focusing on creating work with transparent usability. You will learn to dismiss the accessibility myths of: It's too expensive; It serves too few people; It's too hard; The Web is visual; Accessible sites work on any device; and It?s not our market. You will learn how to develop multimedia artefacts with an understanding of Absolute Standards Compliance.
Module Additional Assessment Details
A written detailed usability analysis of either an online or offline multimedia artefact that also details the results of usability testing. This report should be 5000 words and documented with appropriate graphs, charts, illustrations and references to current EU and W3 regulations and proposals regarding usability and accessibility.