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Company: Indigo Multimedia Limited
Project: Connexions Cambridgeshire - 4us.org.uk
Dates: Feb 2007 to Jul 2007
How did the project start?
We were given the opportunity to develop this project, as a progression to good working relationships we have built up with a number of Connexions Services across the UK. This particular project for Connexions Cambridgeshire and Peterborough was the first of its kind for Connexions. We designed the website specifically to reach young people with learning disabilities and tailored it to meet the needs of an audience with different levels of cognitive skill.
What options did you consider?
There were a number of areas for consideration, for us accessible website design is about removing obstacles to the tools that a person with a disability is using to access web based information. We kept the design simple with fairly uniform screen layouts, using plain language and avoided pages overloaded with too many distractions and choices.
By linking the on screen text to speech engine, users are able to hear the content being read out by a character voice of their choice. By choosing either a male of female voice, the use of synthesised speech software allows the auditory information to be presented clearly and simply.
What help and expertise did you receive?
By working closely with staff at Connexions Cambridgeshire and Peterborough we were able to respond to feedback from young people and their parents when developing the interface and CMS for the site. In approaching design for young people with learning difficulties, we responded to our client’s expert input, to ensure the perfect combination of auditory information, pictures, and to reinforce navigation for users.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
The requirements of the site itself were fairly demanding, it was designed and conforms to the highest international levels of accessibility - W3C Triple A (AAA). It demonstrates our understanding of designing functional and accessible websites that provide maximum ease of use.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
This site offers Connexions Cambridgeshire and Peterborough an opportunity to deliver advice and support in an accessible, friendly manner, allowing them to communicate and meet the needs of all the young people they work with.
In terms our business at Indigo, this project proves that by consistently delivering high quality, innovative solutions and working with clients to improve their service delivery we will continue to foster long-term, meaningful business relationships.
What are your plans for the future?
Indigo continue to develop lasting relationships with Connexions Services across the UK and deliver multi media projects. We are currently working with Durham County Council, in partnership with the Connexions Service to deliver a Positive Activities website, which will build on the success of initiatives such as Splash and Splash Extra.
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