Hanover County Public Schools
- Date Accessed: August 20, 2003
- URL: http://www.hanover.k12.va.us/
- Content: Content is available on the homepage.
Web Standards
- HTML 4 or XHTML validation: DOCTYPE! was not included
- Text-Browsing: Most links and text available
- Proprietary Code: none
- Editor Used: Front Page
- Number of lines of code: 311
The use of an image map and a pull-down menu limit the accessibility of the site.
Usability Concerns
A small text size will be difficult to read for some visitors. When TextZoom in Mozilla is used to 150%, the page redraws appropriately, and is easier to read. The text in the graphical headers does not resize (obviously), and using such small, bitmapped text is discouraged for this reason.
The use of an image map with rollovers (the school bus picture) is a usability concern. First, the rollovers seem to indicate that focus on certain items is required to get to that link. Contrariwise, each link group is just one link. While the solution seems to solve a problem with sites with a large number of links (providing information as to which click will take users where), the detail we see in graphics is lost to those viewing the page as text.
Also, having two sides to check "updates" is problematic; searching for a specific piece of news is made difficult by having to scan all areas of the page: front page sections left and right, a jump or navigation menu, and then finally, the image-map/rollover area. Both the image map and navigation menu can be trouble for users of non-traditional browsers.
Finally, the link to e-mail "us" is a good idea, but we're not sure what kind of person this is. A standardized username, such as webmaster or postmaster would be better for those guessing an e-mail address. Better yet, specifics of how this person can help you. It won't cut down on misdirected mail altogether, but will help those who might guess there's only one e-mail address.
Accessibility Concerns
Important information, such as the school board address and phone number cannot be seen in text. Less important information, such as the last page update, can be seen. The ALT attribute for the mission graphic is used, but curiously, it does not include the actual mission statement.
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Copyright © 2003 by John G. Hendron. All Rights Reserved.