Usability and Accessibility are two of the important issues facing web site owners in 2005. This year is set to be the one where function and use of a website far exceed the importance of aesthetic design. The internet is maturing from the gold rush of the late 90’s and is pressing business sites to meet the same functional expectations for their clients as their off line offerings.

It is normal for e-commerce sites to increase sales by 100% or more as a result of usability
Jakob Nielsen

The business case for usability is a strong one. Jakob Nielsen, the renowned Web usability guru, has found in his studies that you can expect a 135% increase in ease-of-use after a usability-based site redesign.

That translates into double the sales and two and a half times the traffic from a typical redesign.

There are an estimated 9m people in Britain suffering from some form of disability. No company can afford to alienate or exclude an audience of that magnitude.
Bobbie Johnson : Guardian Newspaper

Current legislation surrounding accessibility is also making businesses focus on the needs of those with visual and other impairments.

However studies have repeatedly shown that it is not simply those with acknowledged handicaps who have trouble reading and digesting content on the internet. Reading information on a computer screen is difficult for many users not accustomed to this new medium.

Clear and accessible site design and content will be appreciated by your users and this appreciation translates into sales.