When it comes to website design many people confuse usability with accessibility. Contrary to what some people think, they are in fact very different. Many people also view one to be more important than the other. It is true that they should both be viewed genuinely but a lot of the time, the ideas around them are similar.
Getting the most out of the usability of your site makes it more accessible, or at the very least provides a better framework to build on. If your site is difficult to use for the general population, then those with disabilities or learning difficulties will certainly find it problematic. Likewise, the thought that goes into accessibility is just as important as what goes into usability. With web 2.0 technology becoming more prevalent, accessibility is a key focus of many web design courses and schools.
Making the User the Priority: Ultimately, behind all of the bells and whistles of Web design, the pages are being built for people to use. Don’t try to show off with annoying Flash gimmicks or over-sized images; focusing on content and service is really what’s going to impress your users. You shouldn’t even consider using Dreamweaver until you truly realize the importance of usability, which is always to put the user’s necessities above all else. The fact that the final products performance judges the designing of anything from shoes to sites should always be remembered.
