Module 2 Concept 8: The invisibility of difference.

The daily practice of electronic communication is shaped by over-familiarity with one's own computer system, and a tendency to assume that – as with much more established forms of communication – everyone is operating within compatible and similar systems. When in doubt, seek to communicate in ways that are readable and effective for all users, regardless of their particular systems.

In its simplest form, the invisibility of difference is referring to users being too familiar with their own computer systems and assuming that everyone is operating within these parameters. An advanced internet user will realise that although the protocols that run the internet are identical, specific applications and operating systems will interpret these protocols differently. Sitting behind your own monitor and using your own operating system can be like looking in a mirror, which makes the variations hard to see, hence the invisibility of difference.

An advanced internet user will allow for these differences and plan and design thir websites with these factors in mind.