acccessibility ‘principles’ from Microsoft
I’ve been reading the Web Accessibility Handbook from Microsoft and HiSoftware.
Most of the document is marketing bumf but chapter 5 is a useful set of principles and guidelines. It is worth noting that Microsoft is not saying that these principles are requirements/commitments for their products. They tend to say something more vague like “[this is] an approach which Microsoft is integrating into its products”.
The principles are as follows:
Principle 1 – Making Information Perceivable
Guideline 1.1 -Â Text Alternatives – Provide text alternatives for any non-text content
Guideline 1.2 – Alternatives for time-based media
Guideline 1.3 – Adaptable – Create content that can be presented in different ways without losing information or structure
Guideline 1.4 – Distinguisable – Make it easier for users to see and hear content including separating foreground from background
Principle 2 – Making User Interfaces Easy to Operate
Guideline 2.1 – Keyboard Accessible
Guideline 2.2 – Enough time – Provide users enough time to read and use content
Guideline 2.3 – Seizures – Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures
Guideline 2.4 – Navigable
Principle 3 – Making information understandable
Guideline 3.1Â – Readable
Guideline 3.2 – Predictable
Guideline 3.3 – Input Assistance – Help users avoid and correct mistakes
Principle 4 – Making Information work reliably with user tools
Guideline 4.1 – Compatible – Maximise compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies
I could comment on how well SharePoint lives up to these principles but that doesn’t seem the right way to end such a lovely snowy week.