No matter where you stand politically, this campaign ad video shows the real-life, everyday need for more and better accessible technology.
A new password security utility hides what the user enters with an on-screen keyboard that redraws itself too frequently for “keylogging” programs to grab. But there are 2 problems: the on-screen keyboard flashes in a way that might cause seizures, and there seems to be no keyboard alternative, excluding most blind and some dexterity impaired users. Both of these features would currently fail Section 508, the regulations for federal ICT procurement.
As with biometrics, security and accessibility collide here.
Keyloggers beaten by new crypto utility | InfoWorld | News | 2008-09-15 | By John E. Dunn, Techworld
Ubisoft, maker of many popular games, has implemented a policy of captioning all of its internally developed titles. This will add text to all gameplay screens. Is it an option? A default? Will it include sound effects? Stay tuned…
But wait — there’s more! Ubisoft works with Handicap International to support abilitytogether, an online resource on disability, which includes a game called Handigo that simulates disabilities to build awareness.
Gamasutra - Ubisoft Backs Hearing-Disabled Gamers With Subtitles Initiative
Accenture reports that 68% of all product returns are due not to a technical fault but to user dissatisfaction. We’ll only spend about 20 minutes trying to get the thing working properly, then give up and return it. Or we return it as soon as we see that it’s not what we thought it was. So bad user interfaces and poor documentation, not raw technological flaws, are the culprits. This situation should surprise absolutely no one; what’s amazing is how little is done to remedy it.
Most ‘malfunctioning’ gadgets work just fine, report claims | Register Hardware
San Francisco is considering a law that would require TVs in public locations (lobbies, restaurants, airports, etc.) to display captions at all times. What a great idea, and why not? The capability is already built in, and this would provide a robust channel for communicating with deaf and hard of hearing people about emergencies, at the very least. But don’t fine the scofflaws; make them wear a scarlet ASL instead!
A British ICT designer has come up with an interesting blend of technology and elder market awareness. “jive” has a router that’s configured at the point of sale, and a mouseless interface for information retrieval and communication. Each of your friends or family members is represented by a little plastic square, and you just place the square on the screen to see what that person is up to, or to send a message. When you’re not using it, the screen automatically updates you with their doings and whereabouts. This simple, tangible interface may point the way to more inclusive ICT designs.