Kiosk accessibility concept solutions

Concept:

At the kiosk itself, the user is able to adjust some accessibility-related settings (such as size and contrast) on the screen interface, with changes made in real-time.

Narrative:

Billy, the museum docent, is taking a small tour group around the space. Billy wants to point out some text and pictures of interest on a particular kiosk, in case the visitors want to investigate further later. Upon arriving at the kiosk, he pulls up the interface options panel, and adjusts the size of the content and the audio volume to be visible and audible to everyone crowding around the kiosk.

advantages

• quick temporary adjustments specific to current kiosk content

• unobtrusive to the exterior of the kiosk design

• requires no finger pressure

disadvantages

• user has to re-enter all preferences from kiosk to kiosk

• no alternative to touchscreen interaction

• layout may be confusing for users picking up after someone has adjusted preferences

• users may require assistance to indicate preferences

Concept:

Users would have a mobile device (either their own or the museum's) that they take with them throughout the course of their visit. Instead of interfacing with the kiosk directly (i.e., the screen or tactile interface of the kiosk), they would be given the option of using their mobile device to control what occurs on the kiosk. Different interfaces on multi-purpose devices (e.g., smartphones) or different devices can be used to provide some personalization of the experience. Examples: a) smartphone screen with very large, easy-to-target buttons; b) smartphone with headphones for audio-based experiences; c) smartphone screen with gestural touch input for interacting without needing to see the screen; d) portable tactile buttons device

Narrative:

Tiffany, who has limited mobility in her arms, can't reach very far. Unable to easily extend her arm to control either the touchscreen or the keypad on the kiosks, she was given a mobile device allowing her to control and experience the kiosks from a reasonable distance. Upon approach to various kiosks, the kiosk and mobile device recognize each other, and Tiffany is given control to the kiosk from the device.

mobile touch-screen with alternative interfaces depending on user needs

advantages

• customizable interface for different user needs, for example:

  • large, easy to target buttons for users with limited mobility

  • gestural touch input and audio feedback for blind users

• customizable for different interaction, for example:

  • page flipping

  • rotating globe

  • going through timeline

• unobtrusive to the kiosk design

• requires no finger pressure

• mobile

• users only indicate preferences once, for example:

  • turn on audio descriptions once

  • plug-in headphones and adjust volume once

disadvantages

• lack of tactile feedback

• complications in pairing devices?

portable tactile buttons

advantages

• clear, consistent interactions that users would only have to learn once

• tactile feedback

• unobtrusive to the kiosk design

• mobile

• users would only have to indicate their preferences once, for example:

  • turn on audio descriptions once

  • plug-in headphones and adjust volume once

disadvantages

• fixed layout, interaction may not be ideal for every user or exhibit

• complications in pairing devices?

• requires finger pressure

Concept:

Prior to use of any kiosks, the user is given an opportunity to create a preferences profile. Preferences may include: language, size, contrast, volume, captions. The profile is then carried with them throughout their visit thru a token, and paired with the kiosk at experience time. Examples of tokens: a) 2D barcode on the visitor ticket; b) RFID card, bracelet, or other token; c) mobile device (via 2D barcode on screen, proximity detection, NFC, etc.)

Narrative:

Claire, 73, is a near-sighted francophone visiting the museum. Before heading to the museum, her son, Robert, bought and printed her a ticket through the website. At the time of purchase, they were given the option of describing preferences she might have. Robert was able to tell the museum that his mother speaks French and prefers larger sized content. The printed ticket has a 2D barcode serving two purposes: 1) verifies the ticket purchase upon museum arrival, and 2) every time Claire approaches a kiosk, she can scan the barcode, and the kiosk's content and interface are immediately adapted to French and larger size.

advantages

• device instantly responds to users needs

• entire kiosk interface could be customized depending on user needs, for example:

  • high contrast, larger inputs and text

  • gestural touch input and audio feedback for blind users

• kiosks could maintain more of their unique interactions

• unobtrusive to kiosk design

• requires no finger pressure

• users only indicate preferences once, for example:

  • when buying their ticket in the museum

  • when buying their ticket online