Usability and Accessiblity services

Usability

When creating a website (which is essentially a user interface), it is easy to create what makes sense to the person programming the site. However, programmers are a small percentage of the population. We realise that the site has to make sense to the people using the site, not the people making the website. As a result of this, we can offer user centred testing as part of your project. This user testing can be carried out on your existing site or built into a new site.

By ensuring that your site makes sense to your target audience, you will maximise your investment and make your visitors happy. Happy visitors will spend longer on your site, which makes them more likely to become customers.

Accessibility

Your website exists for a reason – whether it is to provide information or sell products it needs be available to as many visitors as possible to maximise your investment. Accessibility therefore makes a lot of sense for your website.

Browser compatibility

Some web designers make sites that only work in certain web browsers, say Internet Explorer or Safari. This is a flawed strategy, as they alienate many visitors. FCS make websites that are compatible with all the major web browsers on Mac and PC. We code to W3C standards, meaning that our sites will also work in new browsers as they become available. With the increase in mobile devices, your site can be designed to be viewable on PDAs, mobile phones and the like.

Access for users with impairments

Some visitors to your site may be visually or cognitively impaired. To make your site understandable to these users, a number of web design and programming issues must be considered. FCS websites are designed and programmed to provide basic accessibility to impaired visitors. For websites aimed at specific user groups, we can increase the number of accessibility features and conduct user centered design and testing to ensure that the site is suitable for their needs.

While it is not yet law, there are test cases currently going on that may require all websites to be accessible to those with disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) can be applied to websites that provide products or services. FCS can modify your existing site or create you a new site that complies with these rules.