OSP and tabular data

[Darren Cambridge]

Sean--

I think I'd lean towards calling it tabular data. The table structure 
conveys meaning; it's not merely a way to make things look pleasant. I 
would guess that switching to a css layout would actually make it less 
straightforward to convey that meaning in an accessible way. We should 
probably be looking to the good practices for dealing with tabular data 
for strategies.

Darren


Sean Keesler wrote:
> I am doing a UI review of the OSP matrix tool (see attched image) and 
> need a little advice:
> 
> The matrix is big table that is being used as a big grid to represent 
> the accumulation of information (files and filled out forms) related to 
> established criteria and levels (rows and columns). The colors of the 
> table cells convey information about the cell status and the 
> icons/images convey information about the number and type of files/forms 
> that have been added to the matrix cell.
> 
> Its sort of tabular data, and its sort of not. Accessibility validators 
> yell at me because we seem to be using a table for formatting only...and 
> indeed, much of the information being conveyed is not being conveyed in 
> a very accessible manner (yes, that is covered in my review) and I 
> wonder if this is "tabular data" or not...I need a ruling!
> 
> Would the recommendation of this group be to redesign the matrix without 
> a table and do some css/div magic? or is this a table of tabular data? 
> What say ye?
> 
> 
> [see attachment: "Matrix.png", size: 56698 bytes]
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> Sean Keesler
> Project Manager
> The Living SchoolBook
> 030 Huntington Hall
> Syracuse University
> 315-443-3450
> 
> 
> 
> Attachments:
> 
> Matrix.png
> https://collab.sakaiproject.org/access/content/attachment/9c727d77-ccfb-4b2e-004f-d95fae45c804/Matrix.png 
> 
> 
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-- 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Darren Cambridge
Assistant Professor of Internet Studies and Information Literacy
New Century College
George Mason University
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