labeling everything - and i mean everything!

another usability post

[papercut]

has anyone had experience building sites and using software that assists blind surfers? i read an article that stated that EVERYTHING should be labeled. links should have title= images should have alt= and so on..that every item that can be labelled should have a label, so that anyone can tell whether a section or individual item is a part of the visual experience, and actual tool, link or otherwise.

what do you feel about removing underlines on link also? i can see how we are leaving the millions of people who view the net for the first time way in the dust. but i am compelled to use this feature quite often..because * i like it * (puts self centered head down in shame.)

[Brett_Tabke]

I think the strongly negative by those that want links underlined outweight any perceived benefit. I usually turn right round if I have to start mousing over something and figure out if it is bold or an actual link.

Yep, labeling everything is the right way to go if you can afford the bandwidth.

[buckworks]

Carefully crafted labels --> more useful content on the page --> legitimate spider food.

[papercut]

Carefully crafted labels --> more useful content on the page --> legitimate spider food.

expound on your comment when you get a moment. i am assuming that your stance is that you should be selective in what you label. to what degree? and does this take into account surfers with varying disabilities?

again does anyone have any background building sites for those with physical challenges? i would really be interested in hearing if your ideas are different than the rest of us?