Latest Articles
Google Apps to move away from Internet Explorer 6
Feb 02 2010Google have announced that from March 1st 2010, they will no longer be supporting IE6 in their Google Docs Suite and Google Sites Editor Applications, meaing that users in IE6 may experience failures in key functionality. In an email sent out this week to users of Google Apps, they cited ... read more on Google Apps Drop Support For Internet Explorer 6
Showing all errors with PHP
Jan 22 2010When developing a site with PHP, it can be a great testing tool to be able to see any errors resulting from your code. Sometimes the default server php configuration hides these errors and in my experience most of them do. But you can show the errors with a couple of extra lines of code. This... read more on Php Show All Errors
Displaying a shortened Block of Text with PHP
Nov 16 2009From time to time, I find myself wanting to display a certain amount of text, like and intro or snippet, from a much larger one. This could be a description or intro for an article, or news item for use on a landing page or latest news widget. For dynamic websites, where content is pulled in... read more on Shortening A Text String With Php
Kevin McMahon Web Design
Welcome to the website of Irish web designer Kevin McMahon. I try to create usable, accessible websites through the use of best practice, standards based XHTML and CSS. I also write a little about web design and accessibility, whilst drinking far too much tea.
Standards Based Web Design
When it comes to creating websites that are accessible and usable, internet best practices are a must. By using standards based web design, your information can reach the maximum number of people, whilst ensuring that your website is future-proof.
Information Architecture
One of the most important aspects of any media is knowing what content goes where. With the correct information architecure, you can make your website easy to navigate and understand.
User Interface Design
Websites can be full of relvant information, but if they don't have an effective user interface, visitors can tire of it quickly, and move somewhere else. With the correct interface design, you can maximise the efficiency and usability of your website.
Search Engine Optimisation
It's all well and good having a beautiful website to promote yourself or your business, but all the work can be pointless if nobody is able to find it. Search Engine Optimisation ensures that when users search the web for topics relevant to you, they can find you.
Content Management
Websites need to be constantly updated with relevant information, to prevent them from going stale. You can have a beautifully designed website, but if the content isn't fresh and interesting, users won't come back. I have developed simple content management systems using XML and SQL databases, through which users can log in and update their websites easily.
