Unfortunately, usability of any type is too often an afterthought instead of an integral, driving part of design.
That being reiterated, my understanding is that universal design is usually found in the context of taking an existing (sometimes unusable) application and retrofitting it to a wider audience normally consisting of individuals with disabilities. If you mean "stop trying" to make gold out of lead, then I am in agreement that alchemy should remain part of history. As others have pointed out, it is much better to begin design with proper scope and audience identified. It's the difference between weaving a wool blanket and making a quilt. Both may keep you warm in the end, but it is doubtful the quilt would have been the most efficient way to design a blanket. Prioritization is a key part of requirements analysis and project planning, and it is even more critical when considering a widely varying audience. Not only the project as a whole should be considered, but each individual component/function of the site in light of every user's needs. Chris Vestal Origen Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=36122 ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
