Thursday, August 28, 2003

Making it easier to use the Web

Since October 2002, IBM has been testing new browser software that makes it easier for people with visual and movement impairments to use the Web.

The latest version of the software looks to have some interesting features that could have a much wider application, especially for the 50+. For instance it enables the web page to spoken rather than read, for text to be increased in size, for colour contrasts to be changed.

Most of Microsoft’s effort has gone into loading its browser with ever more complex functionality that confuses rather than assists the average Web user. Be honest how many people really know their way around ‘Internet Options’ or remember how to change the text size? Hopefully Microsoft is learning from IBM’s experience and maybe we will find some of these features in a future release of the software?

Unfortunately the software is only available via IBM’s partner organisations (e.g. Seniornet), all of whom are in the US. Much to my amazement my request has filtered through the IBM system and I will be getting a demo of the software next week. Well done IBM.