Tables can be a very effective way
of organising content and are - in
themselves - an effective
'alternative format' compared to a linear
text description of the same
information. However the design of the
table can make a huge difference
to users. Complex tables can easily
overwhelm users trying to "see the
wood for the trees".
- Create simple tables, one table per
topic, one piece of data per
cell.
- Use tables only to organize tabular
data, keep them as simple as
possible.
- Use the <caption> tag to
describe the content of the
table.
- Put each data in its own cell. Create
simple structures with a logical
reading order and avoid merging
cells.
- Be consistent when aligning text,
either to the left (or right for right
to left languages) and numeric data to
the right.
- When using colour, make sure there is
enough colour contrast between
background and text and for headers
and data cells.
- Use colour along with other elements
(text, icons) for conveying
meaning.
- Use two different background colours
and use them alternately for rows to
facilitate reading.
- Provide additional information to
provide explanation for complex
tables.
- When using multiple data tables in a
row, resist the urge to put them into
one table.
- Break apart complex tables to make the
data easier to interpret.
Remember! Confusing tables are
particularly problematic for screenreader
users who
hear the table read in order from top to
bottom, left to right. Use
tables for data display, not for content
layout.