Modern multimedia computers and peripherals require more documentation than ever. For users with low vision or blindness, standard print manuals might be unusable. Users with physical disabilities might be unable to hold perfect-bound manuals open. All users would welcome manuals that are easier to understand.
Documentation design strategies for providing greater access and usability include the following:
1.Provide electronic documentation (ASCII).
This enables generation of Braille, speech, and variable-sized text outputs for users with blindness, low vision, and cognitive or physical disabilities.
2.Provide text descriptions of graphical information.
Written descriptions of illustrations, graphs, and so on allow users with blindness or low vision to access the information in the graphic.
3.Use clear, simple language.
Clear and concise writing benefits everyone, but it is especially helpful to those for whom English is a second language (including sign language) or for users with cognitive disabilities.
4.Bind manuals in a way that allows the manual to lie open.
A manual that lies flat is easier to manipulate by the user who has one hand or uses a mouthstick.
5.Provide manuals in alternative formats such as large print or Braille.
This allows users with blindness or low vision access to the information. Recommended large print is 18-point sans serif.
6.Use high-contrast layouts.
Users with color blindness or low vision require high contrast to access printed information.
7.Use colors that reproduce well on copy machines.
Avoid colors that copy all gray or low contrast. Users with low vision often enlarge the information in manuals using a copy machine.
8.Provide online help.
Online help allows users to access information without having to refer to manuals.
9.Avoid conveying information by color alone.
Users with low vision or color blindness may have difficulty perceiving certain colors. Users who are blind scan the documentation to convert it to ASCII text.