but this too often gets forgotten in the excitement of the design process. Design and con-

tent, like in any medium, are symbiotic, and when working together, they create a stronger

finished product. Web designers and information architects are responsible for how con-

tent is presented, and must work with copywriters to ensure that the best possible product

makes it to the outside world.

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WEB DESIGN AND MARKETING SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS WEBSITES

Summary

Writing and the presentation of the written word are the fundamental goals of the Web,

but this too often gets forgotten in the excitement of the design process. Design and con-

tent, like in any medium, are symbiotic, and when working together, they create a stronger

finished product. Web designers and information architects are responsible for how con-

tent is presented, and must work with copywriters to ensure that the best possible product

makes it to the outside world.

34

3ACCESSIBILITY

3ACCESSIBILITY

WEB DESIGN AND MARKETING SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS WEBSITES

Architecture and web design are close cousins. Both vocations require focus in creatively

designing tangible experiences and environments that facilitate movement. A good archi-

tect will study how people move from room to room and craft a layout that makes this as

easy as possible. A good web designer will research how people navigate a website, where

their eyes travel, and what visual cues they look for to get the information they need as

easily as possible.

One person moves through a building and follows the icons for the restroom; another

navigates a website and finds an e-mail address by clicking Contact. The craft of predicting

user movement exists in both environments, and the architecture of each is designed to

assist that movement. But what happens when not everyone moves the same way?

Problems arise when architecture—both physical and digital—limits the movement of the

visitor. Buildings are clearly designed around people who can walk. Long hallways, stairs,

urinals in the men’s bathroom. Websites are clearly built around those who can see.

Pictures, icons, colors.

If you visit any contemporary public spaces, especially those catering to large meetings like

conference centers and hotels, you will notice the abundance of accessibility and usability

accommodations these facilities have extended to their visitors. Ramps and elevators sup-