Accessibility is definitely not a slick, sexy kind of word. Besides its nerdiness it has experience a dramatic buzz over the past couple of years. Accessibility does seem to have become the chemistry needed for an amazing date between cutting edge innovation and attractive design.
Thanks to the distribution of digital products (Flickr, G-mail to mention some) users are exposed to better experiences. They know better now! To help a brand have a perfect date with its users it is important to give a good first impression. You really hope that your old car does not brake on the first date. You also don’t present yourself absolutely drunk (unless you have a problem). It is a time for evaluation and observation.
The bigger question, if you are interested, how do you stick around? Survival mode is on!
The following principles will help a digital brand (or your potential soul mate) stick around:
Perceptibility: Allow your design to be clearly perceived. Show your intentions using different ways.
Operability: Provide multiple ways to execute a task by taking into consideration the users physical limitations. Mix it up!
Simplicity: Prioritize the main goal and bring that functionality up in the design. Redundant functionality clutters the experience by creating an unneeded background that is hard to distinguish from the foreground. Do not give mix messages, go right to the point!
Forgiveness: Empower the user by providing controls that can only be used the right way. Be preemptive by providing alerts and warnings, and also allow the user to undo an action. Finally plan in advance for success, graciously provide feedback when you feel uncomfortable, and ignore the small stuff!
The alpha brand: no words needed. Nike Store Panama City.
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on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 11:27 pm and is filed under Thoughts, Design.
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