Cultural Accessibility

I've been thinking about folks who have different ways of approaching organization of content through cultural or linguistic differences. In my limited experience I know that some cultures tend to think less in hierarchical terms or are more visual searchers.

Does anyone know of some websites that are well-designed and use more of a iconic or graphic organization or navigation for their content?

Does anyone have suggestions about where to find some key points about how cultural differences in approaching content organization or searching techniques affect web design?

Susan

Hi Susan,

Your question about cultural accessibility and Web design is an excellent one! I'm glad you asked.

The Antima Group has some free PDF case studies about cultural influences on Web site interactions. I think their research might be of interest to you, including the PDF on best practices in Web globalization.

The NIHSeniorHealth.gov site is a good example of a well-designed resource targeted to the senior community. Excellent example of accessibility at it's best. Perhaps this site is not exactly the "cultural" example you're looking for, but it's still a good example of accessibility done right -- in this case, the target "cultural group" being senior citizens.

Notice on the site that particular attention is paid to ease of use, targeted content presented in a simplified layout, and helpful reading aids -- all elements that enhance the visitor experience.

Hope this helps!

Yann

Thank you, Yann.

The presentation on culture was interesting and stimulated more questions...

...what do we know about the use of iconic or graphic navigation as a primary search tool vs. hierarchical (especially text-based) tools?

...what do we know about search patterns by cultures that communicate in less hierarchical or linear ways (e.g., less a+b=c and more storytelling to make a point)?

...what about patterns of navigation of websites by folks with lower literacy skills?

I see a lot of websites that are designed with linear and hierarchical navigation that reflect an "academic" style of organization which can be off-putting to folks whose dominant mode of information gathering is through informal linkages (e.g., families, friends, and neighbor's experiences...often told through story).

Susan

Susan,

This is an interesting discussion! Something that popped into my mind when I read your comment about more visual and less hierarchical is information that I came upon in the HFI usability newsletter some time ago. It discussed the differences between web sites designed by men and by women. Past issues of usability newsletter. (Can't remember the issue number, but I've emailed HFI in the past with a description of a past article and they've helped me find the correct one.)

According to a study published there, websites women design are more graphically oriented. In addition, women responded better to the websites designed by women, and the same goes for websites designed by men and the men visitors. Both gender evaluated the websites designed by their own gender as 'more professional'. You may find this relevant in your search for info.

Best wishes,

Hi Susan--

I'd also check out this past, related discussion on gender differences in how users use technologies and keeping these in mind when it comes to design.

Best,

Megan