Challenges of using PDF online

Photo of

PDF forum at the Novotel in Brisbane

We ran this forum in 2011 in Melbourne (April 14), Canberra (May 18) and Brisbane (September 14). We had two main speakers who discussed accessibility and usability issues associated with the use of PDF documents online. And we invited local presenters to talk about the PDF challenges they face in their organisations.

  • Melbourne: Just over 70 people attended, and we had a long waiting list. Everyone was amazed to hear that the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria have converted all their PDF content to web pages.
  • Canberra: 80 people attended the Canberra forum at the Novotel. Again, we were full and had a waiting list.  The presentations stimulated a lively discussion on the use of other document formats, particularly RTF.
  • Brisbane: Almost 70 people came along to the forum. We got a great insight into the use of PDF in Queensland government and some interesting anecdotes from Queensland University of Technology.

Presentations

Our presenters have kindly made their presentations available.

Presenter Presentation Text version
Neil King, Vision Australia PDF and Accessibility Text version of PDF and Accessibility
Dey Alexander, 4 Syllables When PDF goes BAD: the user experience of PDF

 Text version of When PDF goes BAD: the UX of PDF
Claire Spencer, Origin Energy PDF at Origin Energy Text version of PDF at Origin Energy
Iza Bartosiewicz, RMIT University PDF at RMIT University Text version of PDF at RMIT University
Chris Lassig, Department of Sustainability and Environment (Vic) PDF at Department of Sustainability and Environment Text version of PDF at Department of Sustainability and Environment
Mark Bryant, Department of Primary Industries (Vic) PDF at Department of Primary Industries Text version of PDF at Department of Primary Industries
Alan Higgins, ACT Chief Minister and Cabinet PDF at ACT Chief Minister and Cabinet Text version of PDF at ACT Chief Minister and Cabinet
Dianne Seath, Attorney General’s Department PDF at Attorney General’s Department Text version of PDF at Attorney General's Department
Rory Daly, Smart Service Queensland PDF in Queensland Government Text version of PDF in Queensland Government
Jilly Magee, Queensland University of Technology PDF at Queensland University of Technology (Google docs)

Related links

PDF resources

Policy