[WEB4LIB] Critique of new Web site design

[Chris Murphy]

"McCoy, Thomas" wrote:
> 
> I have recently completed a draft of a new Web site.  I would like to gather
> the opinions of my fellow list members, as I value your input!...
> http://www.city.newport-beach.ca.us/nbpl/greenroom/nbpl/

Did you consider accessibility during your design phase? I am in the process of redesigning our web site and working to make the pages as accessible as possible, e.g., to blind or low vision people using screen reader software, etc.

I accessed your site with IBM's Home Page Reader software for the blind or visually impaired and could not get to the hyperlinked information contained in the Flash portion of the middle frame. I am not yet skilled with screen reader software, so someone with more experience might have more luck. During usability tests, did you recruit anyone with visual or other impairments?

As a side detail, HPR pronounced the "KidsPage" link as "kidzpej". Perhaps separating the words ("Kids Page") might help someone recognize the link immediately without having to mentally translate from screen reader speak to English.

Thanks for the opportunity to check out your new site!

Chris Murphy

-- 
Christopher Murphy
Information Systems Manager
The Community Library, Ketchum, Idaho
chrism at thecommunitylibrary.org
(208) 726-3493 x111
http://www.thecommunitylibrary.org