Input from EBU Commissions:
Commission on Technical Devices and Services
TThe Commission on Technical Devices and Services, meeting in Nieuw Vennep in January 1999, have identified several technical problems that hinder the use of technology by the elderly blind. These include :
- User interfaces in most technical equipment have complicated keyboards, small keys, key texts that are difficult to read or understand (abbreviations, foreign languages), touch screens, complex controls (navigation buttons), displays difficult to read, etc.
- There is very reduced time for handling equipment : telephone dialling, road crossing with traffic lights, information reading. . .
- It is particularly difficult for the elderly blind user to identify, let alone fix errors.
Possible solutions are :
- Human sound and synthetic speech, including human parameters like speed control and pitch control. Such speech devices can be integrated in both private and public equipment.
- Make a user interface clear : one button, one function ; use clear (good contrast) descriptive text, etc. This is more adequate than simplify a user interface leaving out certain functions.
- The elderly blind should ask for and BUY equipment that is easy to use. This will motivate industry to design user-friendly equipment.
- Convince planners and designers that technology can help the elderly solve their problems.
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