February 25, 2010
Assumptions About Users, & Accessibility
presented by Callie B. CarrollWhen the accessibility of technology (hardware, software, web, and mobile) is considered throughout design, development, andtesting, the rewards are systems that provide equal access tofunctionality, services, and information for their entire range of users. To plan for accessibility, assumptions must be made about users, and these assumptions can can create design that is either inclusive or exclusive, with narrow or broad usability.
This presentation will inspire thinking about users in ways that will help designers and developers create technology that works for everyone, rather than technology that just supports what some see as the disparate groups of “normal” users and “those with disabilities”.
A discussion of universal design, usability, accessibility, disability, younger and older user groups, as well as particular assistive technologies (including screen readers, often used by persons with visual impairments) will be of interest to web and interactive designers, developers, product managers, user experience practitioners, educators, and anyone who has ever used, or plans to use, a pencil, keyboard, mouse, or telephone.
Callie B. Carroll is a humanitarian technologist who speaks both computer and human. She specializes in user experience, usability and accessibility, and has worked at Apple for iTunes Store and iTunes U.