Different Ways to View a Web Page
Browsers
Individuals view the web using many different browsers. The most commonly used
browsers are Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer. The third most frequently
used browser is Opera. These three browsers have many different versions, with
some substantial changes across versions. Check with your technical staff to
see what browsers you may be able to access within your unit. Chances are good
that a web page will look different on one browser than on another. How different
depends upon the complexity of your design.
Keep in mind when inspecting a web page across browsers, that the primary concern
is whether all the content is still readable and easy to use. Issues such as
margins or the size of font will be an irritant to any designer, but try to
remember that usability is the key measure as you test.
Operating Systems
On top of the need to view your web page in different browsers, you should
also view it on both a PC and a MAC operating system. The colors and font sizing
are a bit different. Again, focus on readability/usability rather than a perfect
match across operating system.
Accessibility Validation Software
Vendors produce software that evaluates the accessibility of a web page against
either the W3C recommendations or the Section 508 guidelines. Tools such as
WAVE and BOBBY can be used for free via the web, others such as LIFT require
purchase. Validation tools are presented in
more detail on a separate file.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology may
be used by individuals with disabilities to access technology. An example of
assistive technology is a screen reader.
As a designer on this campus, you do access to several screen readers. JAWS
Screen Reader and other assistive technology can be accessed at any of the
Campus Computer
Labs.
Other Web Devices
Individuals are able to access the web through Palm Pilots and cell phones.
These Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are a growing factor in web design.
Accessible design lends itself well to users that are employing these devices.
Note: The campus doesn't have a PDA testing station. You may be fortunate enough
to have colleagues with web enabled PDAs.
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