Web Design For
50+ Market
The 50+ market
is among the fastest growing segment of web users, it’s important that web sites
be designed with them in mind. While most of the basic print principles apply,
businesses should also pay attention to these essential points.
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Page content
Users scan your
page before they read it, so your text must be succinct. Keep page length short
and in a format that’s easy to scan. Place the most important information on the
first screen, and stick to one or two screens of text for the home and menu
pages. If the document is long, provide a summary at the top of the page. Keep
page design clear, logical and simple. Label each page with the site name.
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Layout
Use standard
page design, symbols, icons and menu options throughout the site. Use the same
set of navigation buttons in the same place on each page of the site. Label each
page in the same location with the name of the web site consistently displayed.
All pages should be titled with descriptive titles. All pages should have the
same alignment of information, both vertically and horizontally.
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It is
recommended that there be a wide margin (1-1/2” plus) on the right side of the
page to allow for various screen sizes.
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All body text
should be double-spaced. Left hand alignment is optimal with center alignment
acceptable for titles.
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Large areas of
white space and small blocks of text increase site readability and usability. Do
not use coding that limits users ability to adjust or change font, sizes or
colors, as many may need to do so.
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Language
Use the active
voice. Use simple language wherever possible and provide an online glossary of
technical terms.
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Scrolling
It is essential
that the website be formatted so that all of the contents of the home page can
be viewed without having to scroll downward. The 50+ users generally will not
think to scroll down on the home page; therefore, some of the information at the
bottom of the page may be overlooked.
;
Once within the
actual website they find scrolling to be acceptable.
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Text design
The principles
of good print design apply to web print design, too. Keep text size to at least
12 points by default, and provide a button to increase text size on the site.
Keep to the most basic and common fonts, and use sans serif typefaces. Commonly
used sans serif fonts include Arial, Helvetica, and Verdana. Avoid all capital
letters in text, use bold as call outs. Present body text in upper and lower
case letters. Use all capital letters and italics in headlines only.
;
Underlining
should only be used for hyperlinks.
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Shading/Colors
Use colors with
maximum contrast. Use bright and bold colors, avoid fluorescents, and avoid
yellow text. Avoid yellow and blue and green in close proximity – these colors
are difficult for aging eyes to discriminate. There should be high contrast
between text and background colors. Avoid distracting backgrounds and embossed
logos. Use dark type or graphics against a light background, or white lettering
on a black or dark-colored background.
;
Avoid patterned
backgrounds. A very light gray background is recommended to reduce glare.
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Navigation
This is the
most important element in web usability. Design your navigation to provide an
explicit step-by-step procedure whenever possible to ensure that people
understand what follows next. Consider using clearly worded buttons suck as
“Previous Page” and “Next Page” to allow the user to review or move forward.
Provide a site map to show how the site is organized and where different pages
and information can be found. Incorporated text within each icon, if possible,
and use large buttons that do not require precise mouse movements for
activation.
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Links
Use hyperlinks
to avoid lengthy pages that require too much scrolling. Position important links
higher on the page and clearly indicate internal and external site links.
Carefully label links, but with no more than 10 to 2 words describing what
information exists at the site link.
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Make all links
and buttons large and easy for users to point and click. Remember the
three-click rule: Users will often exit a site if it takes more than three
clicks to get the information they need. Change the link’s color after the user
visits it. Make a clear distinction between text used for linking and text used
for headings. Be consistent with that distinction throughout the site.
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Menus
Keep menus and
links static. Moving elements are difficult to read and to target. Instead of
pull-down menus, use drop-down menus that stay open when clicked once.
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Search
capability
The search
capability is an important feature in web design. Most middle-aged and older
adults prefer searching to browsing. Keep the searching box distinct from the
browsing area. Repeat the user’s query with the search results and have results
visible without the need to scroll.
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Consistency
Using a
consistent format throughout the entire site is essential to alleviating
confusion within this target group. Users are confused when they are surfing a
website and find a section that does not use the same format as the rest of the
site. Frequent website redesigns should be avoided for the same reason.
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Graphics
Purposeless
animation and audio can be annoying. If animation or audio is important to the
subject, provide alternative text for those users with older technology or other
limitations. Use text-related images only and avoid home pages that consist
entirely of graphical elements. Do not use flashing or blinking graphics or
pop-up windows and try to avoid ad banners. Use short segments to reduce
download time on older computers.
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Security/Safety
Fears
There is a real
fear among the 50+ regarding Internet security. They are less willing to
disclose their personal information online; thus they are less apt to register
on a site to make online purchases.
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SOURCE: Sutton
Group
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All of the above text is a press
release provided by the quoted organization. globalagingtimes.com accepts no
responsibility for their accuracy.