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No.17 Websites for Seniors (Part 2) (December 13, 2002)
In the last column, we discussed the fact that understanding the decline in physical capability as we age is the first step in creating a website that is easy for seniors (65 and older) to use. In this column, we want to talk about the next step, providing some specific ways of dealing with these issues.
1. Consideration for declining visual acuity
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- Larger default font sizes
Text on the web is difficult to read, even for people with good eyesight. It is even more difficult for seniors, who become increasingly farsighted as their eyesight worsens. It is important to pay attention to factors that affect readability, such as font size and the contrast between background and text.
- Don't freeze the font size
It is essential to make your font size adjustable. You might also consider adding a font size adjustment button within your site for users who don't know how to change the size of the font displayed in their browser window.
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2. Consideration for declining memory
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- Use words that are familiar to users
Words that are familiar to users are easy to learn and are not forgotten easily. The use of foreign words, in particular, should be avoided as much as possible. Keep the text on your website clear and understandable, so that anyone can access it with ease.
- Place information requiring comparison the same displayed screen
When you make it possible for a user to view information without scrolling, you reduce the amount of information that they have to remember. In particular, horizontal scrolling is not very user-friendly, and should be avoided as much as possible.
- Avoid pop-up windows
Pop-up windows (new windows that appear when a link is clicked) cannot be maneuvered using the Back button. This type of navigation also makes it difficult a user to figure out where they are.
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3. Consideration for decreased motor skills
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- Avoid dynamic menus (e.g. pull-down) and dynamic navigation
Menus that move make it difficult for a user to click the desired item.
- Make the area surrounding the link part of the link (about 5 pixels from the link)
Increasing the space in which a link is effective enables a user to get to the desired page without having to exactly click on the link, improving usability.
- Leave plenty of space between links
Leaving space between links will help prevent users from accidentally clicking on links that are nearby.
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The points listed above are the bare minimum in terms of usability for seniors. However, just by following these rules, you will make your site markedly easier for seniors to use.
Finally, if you create your site following the major principle of usability that is to thoroughly take stock of the characteristics and needs of your target users, in the course of doing so you will also comply with the guidelines provided above. When all is said and done, putting into practice the fundamental rule of creating a site with a focus on users is the secret to winning the hearts and minds of users.
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