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> > > discussion....
Hi David
Further to my previous message, there are other design considerations that
should be addressed. The new template does not take advantage of other
browser functions that would improve the overall appearance and
functionality of the web page.
Hover functions.
Graphics and other objects can display additional information when the
cursor 'hovers' over the object. See
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Chebucto/webmaster/vLink2.htm
-When the cursor hovers over the CCN logo it displays the message "Serving
Your Community's Online Needs".
-Over the Preferences object the cursor causes the message "Click to defer
to browser defaults" to appear.
For more elaborate messages, cursor control (style function) can change
the cursor from an arrow to a question mark. On click, an alert box can be
displayed, or a new informational page displayed.
-Over the title "Chebucto Community Net" the cursor changes to a (?).
Clicking on the title launches a popup window providing CCN details.
-Over the title "Webmaster" the cursor changes to a (?). Clicking on the
title displays an alert box.
Default Background
This discussion began with allowing users to take advantage of their own
browser vlink and link defaults. However, there are other browser
defaults such as text size and background colour.
If users have selected a background colour that is non-white, then our
page turns ugly. Various areas have table cells, where the background
colour is set to white. For example, in vlink.htm set the background
colour to grey. Then try the same thing in vLink2.htm.
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Chebucto/webmaster/vLink.htm
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Chebucto/webmaster/vLink2.htm
The solution to this problem is to not force cell background colour.
<TD bgColor=#ffffff height=29 width=477> </TD></TR>
<!--second row-->
<TD height=29 width=477> </TD></TR>
<!--second row-->
Transparent Gifs
To correct for background colours and gif files, the gif background colour
must be set to transparent.
So, while on the surface the new template looks good, there are many
design elements that were not considered before implementation. I think
it is incumbant on all our volunteers to review the template and present
their observations. Otherwise, we will be continuously 'adjusting' the
template, and redoing past efforts.
Doug McCann
On Sat, 29 Jul 2000, David L. Potter wrote:
>
> Hi Doug...
>
> I've not bumped into this before... or at least not noticed it on other
> sites... as an individual surfing along and finding myself on a page
> such as the webcam page (for example) how would I know that I could
> change the colours... and how would I do it (especially if I was
> having trouble with the colours)? Would I have to be a 'regular user to
> know/be bothered to invoke it... as a one time or ocassional web visitor
> would I bother to change the interface or just leave in frustration...?
>
> Even if all of those questions have a positive answer, I not sure I see any
> significant benefit. From a design perspective, our 'known look and feel'
> only works if the individual has 'normal' vision, for all others, the
> look and feel is 'unknown'.
>
> If we design our pages to display well with the browser defaults (this
> becomes our known look and feel) then I would say we've done our job...
> whatever the user wants/needs to see should really be left to them should it
> not...???
>
> As a fundamental design principle, I'm not sure that it makes a lot of
> sense to me for us to settle on an interface design that is known to give
> our users/visitors problems...? I would think that would qualify as a
> fundamental flaw in the the design. In the least, if there is a need for
> 'work-a-rounds' to accomodate individuals with a disability it would be a
> stretch to consider it a 'friendly' site.
>
> dlp
>
>
>
> On Sat, 29 Jul 2000 aa935@chebucto.ns.ca wrote:
>
> > Hi David
> >
> > By imbedding a user interface option creates an environment where CCN can
> > create a web page with a known look and feel, but also permits users to
> > customize the page to meet individual requirements.
> >
> > If we use the general default options, then CCN pages will have an unknown look
> > and feel. For example, we have a light blue <td bgColor=#deeee1> trim. If a
> > user were to set their default vlink to the same color then a followed link
> > would 'disappear'.
> >
> > The number of users who would require a customized interface should be small.
> > By offering a customized option, we are meeting special needs without imposing
> > upon the general population.
> >
> > The solution presented is only important in its concept, that it is possible to
> > create an interactive options menu. Since it may not function with all
> > browsers, then we should explore other scripting possibilities (Visual Basic,
> > c++, etc.).
> >
> > Doug
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Quoting "David L. Potter" <potter@chebucto.ns.ca>:
> >
> > >
> > > Netscape 4.73 produces javascript errors... however, isn't this
> > > effectively the same effect as using the 'users' default colour scheme
> > > with the small added challenge that we're making them figure out another
> > > way of changing the colours...?
> > >
> > > dlp
> > >
> > >
> > > On Sat, 29 Jul 2000 aa935@chebucto.ns.ca wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hi all
> > > >
> > > > Earlier this month when Donna presented the problem regarding followed
> > > links
> > > > (vlink) colour, I threw down the challenge to allow users to customize
> > > colour
> > > > selection.
> > > >
> > > > For a solution see
> > > >
> > > > http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Chebucto/webmaster/vLink.htm
> > > >
> > > > I've only tested this with Internet Explorer 5.
> > > >
> > > > The underlying function can be adapted to modify bgColor and other BODY
> > > > attributes.
> > > >
> > > > Doug McCann
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Quoting Donna Randell <drandell@chebucto.ns.ca>:
> > > >
> > > > > Hi - just back from vacation and wanted to follow up on this
> > > discussion....
> > > > > When I view the
> > > > > Recent Changes at Chebucto Page - it is still in sha