Scientific and technological reports

Annual Report 1999

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1. Aims of the Unit

To influence and encourage external research and development of future benefit to visually disabled persons.

To influence the design of equipment and systems for the general public such that they are accessible to visually disabled persons.

To influence the development of relevant standards.

2. Staff

Current staffing of the Unit is:

John Gill Chief Scientist

Linda Newson Research and Information Officer

Lis Angle Administrator / Website Assistant

3. Card Differentiation

In July 1997, the Unit produced a report on "Differentiating Plastic Cards: Is There a Need for a Standard?". As a result, the European standards committee CEN TC224 WG6 asked the Unit to investigate the possibilities for tactual symbols on cards. In collaboration with Dr H Devine-Wright, a report was produced on "Selecting Cards by Touch"; this report included a proposal which formed the basis for draft standard prEN1332-5 "Embossed Symbols for Differentiation of Application on ID-1 Cards".

4. Fonts

Work was concentrated on finalising ScreenFont so that a golden master could be produced. ScreenFont is already in use for subtitling on terrestial digital television in the UK, and is planned to be used for Teletext. ScreenFont is being extended from 190 to 312 characters to allow for extra Latin-based languages. In collaboration with Dr J Silver, C Sharville and P O'Donnell, work is being done on derivative fonts for use on computer screens, signage and instructions for public access terminals.

5. Inclusive Design

The Include project was funded by the European Commission to advise on how to incorporate the requirements of disabled and elderly users in the design of Telematic systems. It provided direct advice to projects, produced publications on good design, and disseminated information relating to standardisation and legislation in this area. The Unit's role in the project concentrated on information dissemination.

6. Telecommunications

The Unit has continued its involvement in access to telecommunication equipment and services. This has been undertaken in collaboration with COST 219bis and PhoneAbility, with funding from BT and Department of Trade and Industry.

7. Electronic Retailing

The particular interest of the Unit is the user interface for information kiosks and interactive television. In collaboration with the Centre for 3D Electronic Commerce and funded by Department of Trade and Industry, work is being undertaken on the user interface for systems for electronic shopping.

8. Information

In collaboration with Dr J Silver of Moorfields Eye Hospital and funded by Department of Health, a website has been established to provide information for those interested in non-medical research and development for visually disabled persons.

9. Publications and Reports

Gill J M Approaches for Influencing the Design of New Telecommunication Systems and Services. International Conference on Smart Homes and Telematics, Eindhoven, February 1999.

Gill J M & Devine-Wright H Selecting Cards by Touch. ISBN 1 86048 019 5, March 1999.

Gill J M Design Features of Terminals to Improve Accessibility by Visually Impaired Persons. Vision 99 Conference, New York, July 1999.

Gill J M & Shipley A D C Telephones: What Features do Disabled People Need? ISBN 1 86048 020 9, August 1999.

Gill J M New European Standards on the Man-Machine Interface for Card Systems. August 1999.

Gill J M Presentation of Tactile and Low Vision Materials: The Need for Research. IFLA SLB Conference, Penang, August 1999.

Gill J M Telecommunications - Guidelines for Accessibility. ISBN 1 86048 022 5, October 1999.

Shipley A D C Outwardly Mobile: What Can Disabled Users Expect from UMTS, the New Generation in Mobile Communications? ISBN 1 86048 021 7, August 1999.