Principles of learning Considerate Web Design

As new technologies necessitate the development of new techniques and tools with which to consider such developments, Considerate Web Design is still an emerging domain of practice. This is an exciting time for web development as there is rapid innovation and existing practices, standards and tools are transformed. This poses some challenges to would be considerate web designer as standards, practices and tools are still in the process of being defined and developed. There is no single authority regarding it and technologies and practices do not cover all requirements and the implementation of standards vary. However, this is also an opportunity to innovate and make a contribution.

The basic principle for learning considerate web design is therefore participation. This blog subscribes to the learning principles of constructivism and in particular the sociological notion of communities of practice. According to this notion learning takes place through communities participating in a shared practice. Typically novice participants learn the "culture" of the community, i.e. the language, stories, concepts, tools, practices and ultimately learn how to see the world through the eyes of that community. Through time and experience the novice becomes an expert and innovator in the field redefining the practices, tools, concepts of the community of practice.

This blog attempts to provide a public space for such learning and collaboration to take place. A space where participants can consider, share, experiment, play, discuss the emerging practice of considerate web design. The creator of this blog is currently teaching an introductory course in Considerate Web Design to a group of third year Film And Media Students at the University of Cape Town. This blog will thus also represent the learning, assignments and research done by the participants of this course. Kindly consider this blog, posts made by its participants and engage with us through comments, suggestions and contributions.