Pinder is Postive about Possible Amendments to Quality Framework Document, but...

Conflicting stories about the future of the contentious "Quality Framework for UK Government Website Design" on usability have come out of the eEnvoy's office.

Speaking after his keynote appearance at the HCI2003 conference in Bath, eEnvoy Andrew Pinder talked in reassuring terms about revisiting the framework document in light of some dismay from the usability community.

'We need to listen to what people have to say about the Framework. There was some controversy that we got the right set of tests and we have got to get that right.'

He suggested that the current document could be regarded as having the status of a White Paper (ie. for consultation), prior to producing something more directive.

However, other sources from the Office of the e-Envoy implied a revision was unlikely. First, it would be unprecedented. Second, the team within the Office that had conducted the initial work had been disbanded and given other duties.

Of course, there are a number of people in the industry who would be prepared to do the reworking with their bare hands, out of concern that the best message possible be circulated. Sadly, this may not be an option.

Pinder was also gung-ho about working with the Treasury (which writes Government contracts) to get usability and accessibility requirements specified in the intitial contracts that companies tender for.

There was some scepticism at the conference that the Treasury will be influenced on this matter, but with senior figures in the usability world prepared to push this all the way, a battle is commencing.

Pinder's three-year contract ends in April 2004, so he may be talking so enthusiastically about the targets of his successor. Let's hope the next encumbent has the same zeal.

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