Optimizing Content for the Web: Resources
Check out these recommendations for good advice on the creationg of good online content and best practice in presenting it.
Print Resources:
Garrand, Timothy. Writing for Multimedia and the Web. Second Edition. Woburn: Focal Press. 2001.
Hammerich, Irene and Claire Harrison. Developing Online Content: The Principles of Writing and Editing for the Web. New York: Wiley Computer Publishing. 2002.
Krug, Stephen. Don't Make Me Think! A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. Indianapolis: New Riders Publishing. 2000.
McGovern, Gerry and Rob Norton. Content Critical: Gaining Competitive Advantage Through High-Quality Web Content. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. 2002.
Nielsen, Jakob. Designing web usability. Indianapolis: New Riders. 2000.
Price, Jonathan and Lisa. Hot Text: Web Writing That Works. Indianapolis: New Riders. 2002
Usborne, Nick. Net words: Creating High-Impact Online Copy. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2002.
Veloso, Maria. Web Copy That Sells: The Revolutionary Formula for Creating Killer Copy Every Time. New York: AMACOM. 2005.
Web Resources
Accessibility:
WAI, in coordination with organizations around the world, pursues accessibility of the Web through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development.
Watchfire - Bobby web page analyzer
This free service will allow you to test web pages and help expose and repair barriers to accessibility and encourage compliance with existing accessibility guidelines, such as Section 508 and the W3C's WCAG.
The online version of a book of the same name, this structured tutorial guides readers towards an understanding of the Why's and How's of accessible web site design.
Section508.gov - Government info on section 508
This site, maintained by the Center for Information Technology (CITA), is the primary resource for Federal employees and the public to access resources for understanding and implementing Section 508 requirements.
WebAIM - Web Accessibility in Mind
WebAIM has provided comprehensive Web accessibility solutions since 1999. Their website provides extensive resources about Web accessibility. WebAIM is a non-profit organization within the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University.
Contentquality.com - Cynthia Says Portal
Cynthia is a web content accessibility validation service, designed to identify errors in design related to Section 508 standards and the WCAG guidelines. The main purpose of the portal is to educate web site developers in the development of Web Based content that is accessible to all.
Usability and Web Content Guides:
A List Apart - Programmer's resources and articles.
A List Apart Magazine (ISSN: 1534-0295) explores the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on techniques and benefits of designing with web standards.
Useit.com - Jakob Nielsen's personal website.
Jakob Nielsen, author of "Designing Web Usability: The Practice of Simplicity" and numerous other usability texts, maintains this site as a reference for good information on usability.
Usability from The U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services
Extensive collection of usability resources maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Includes basics on what usability is, accessibility resources, market research, guidelines and checklists for many issues. Mostly links to other sites.
Usability First - from Diamond Bullet Design.
Resource providing usability suggestions from a Michigan-based consulting firm.
