While browsing through the Beijing Olympics website, I couldn’t help but notice that almost every link I clicked on opened in a new window. This was the case even for web pages within the same website.

Sample code from the website.

For instance, if you visited the Singapore page and clicked on the ‘SIN - Singapore’ link, the same page would open in a new window. It can be a little vexing seeing your screen filled with popup windows that have opened along the way. It is as if the designer is worried that the visitor will leave the site, so he creates more popup windows to reduce that chance. On the contrary - I felt like quitting the moment I found the information I wanted!

An accessibility test was run on the website, and the verdict is that improvements can be made. Pop-up windows, inconsistent page design and information architecture and changes in language prevented disabled users from accessing the website fully.

Admittedly, it is a challenge designing a website for an international audience, let alone making it accessible. However, more awareness can be raised among China’s web designers (and the people hiring them) about designing with web standards and accessibility.