Basics of Usable Web Pages

• Include a privacy notification (clear statement of the purpose for which the information is being collected) on pages where personal information is collected (pages with web forms, for example).

• Use colors that contrast with each other - preferably light backgrounds with dark colored text - to differentiate text and background. The greater the contrast, the more readable the page. If you use background patterns or watermarks, make sure they are transparent to facilitate reading and printing.
  
  
• Use WIDTH and HEIGHT tags for images to speed loading and to eliminate confusion for screen readers and text browsers.
  
  
• Use GIF or JPG file format for graphics. Avoid PNG file format for graphics as PNGs are not widely used and not supported by older browsers.
  
  
• Use the <TITLE> tag with a meaningful title on each page. The information contained in the <TITLE> tag labels your browser window and identifies the page in a bookmark list.
  
  
• If you use file formats that require plug-ins for links to key information, provide an HTML version of the information at the same.
  
  
• Alert users when you link to anything unusual and tell them what to expect, such as large files, or video or sound files.
  
  
• For pages that require plug-ins, applets, or other applications for correct interpretation, provide a link to a plug-in or applet.
  
  
• Avoid screen flickering.
  
  
• For hypertext links, use text that makes sense when read out of context. Avoid using "click here."
  
  
• When using graphs and charts on your pages, summarize or use the longdesc tag.
  
  
• Check your work. Validate. Use tools, checklist, and guidelines at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG

Based on Official FSU Standards & Guidelines for Web Page Design and Maintenance, Revision 03– 032607