Decent article at Digital Web Magizine about how web designers have to be more sensitive to the fact that many new computer users (all of whom what to get on the ‘net yesterday it seems) don’t understand the basic language of websites. A button labeled “Submit” means nothing to the 50 year old who just filled out an online form, though he would know perfectly well how to mail a paper form or hand it physically to the person it needed to go to. (One example)

This is a valid concern, and part of me agrees with it. However, the basic idiom and knowledge of the web (submit buttons send information, software must be downloaded in order to run on your system, you need an ISP to go online, your browser and your ISP are not the same thing….) these could be considered the basic language of the web. For these first timers (many of them 40 and up) learning the language is essential. They may have real world skills and much knowledge, but they may also be pig ignorant when it comes to surfing around or doing something as basic as determining what web browser they are using. This doesn’t make them bad people. It means they have to learn.

Think of it like visiting a foreign country - you need to know certain basics of communication in order to survive. (hello, my name is, where is the restroom, thank you, help, etc…) The natives are expected to be understanding of you, but I think no one (except perhaps American tourists abroad) expects the language of a foreign country to be suspended purely for their convenience.

Knowing to hit the submit button after you fill out a form is like knowing how to ask for the restroom in the language of the country you are visiting. It’s a simple bit of knowledge and it is up to the tourist/visitor/foreigner to learn these basic pieces of information. I’m not saying that web designers should collectively tell the uninformed to shove off, and many websites can be made more accommodating and user friendly. However, there is a limit to the hand holding. I will play native guide as well as I am able, but those who are just entering the online world need to take responsibility for their own educations.