The era of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 is fading away, and with the disappearance of mandatory mask-wearing in vulnerable facilities, in-person gatherings are becoming active again. However, the issue of digital exclusion persists. That's why 'DOT' is trying to reduce its inconvenience by installing barrier-free kiosks.
Starting with the Gangnam District Office, Dongdaemun District Office, Guangdong District Council, National Palace Museum, Anseong City Hall, and many other public institutions. ‘DOT’ is working hard to expand the installation of barrier-free kiosks. The kiosks have been designed with the Universal Design Principles in mind to ensure that anyone can use them. However, even if the kiosks are well-designed, they would only be useful if people knew how to use them. To prevent barrier-free kiosks armed with accessibility technology from becoming useless, let me introduce the usage methods.
Find it by sound:
When you press a button on the "Audio Signal Guidance Remote Control," that visually impaired people may carry, the kiosk emits sound. This is because the frequency of the installed audio signal device inside the kiosk matches that of the remote control.
Operate without touch:
By pressing the voice guidance button, you will hear voice instructions about the button's location and how to use it. You can follow the voice instructions to navigate through menus and make selections by pressing the keypad. Additionally, there is an earphone jack available, allowing you to hear the voice instructions more clearly.
Sense of touch:
Using a tactile pad consisting of 300 cells, you can receive navigation guidance or check exhibits. You can confirm the navigation guidance from your current location to your desired destination through both voice guidance and tactile feedback. The "Departure" is represented by a diamond shape, and the "Arrival" is represented by a square shape. Moreover, at the museum kiosks, you can also experience exhibits through tactile graphics.
From small text to large text:
The kiosks are prepared with large screens so that people with visual impairments, such as diminished vision or the elderly, can use them easily. The screen size is approximately 40 inches, and the text is displayed larger than other kiosks.
If you want to view the larger text, click the zoom button. It will enlarge the text by about 1.5 times. If you want to view only a specific part larger, use the magnifying glass function. By dragging the magnifying glass icon, you can enlarge that specific area.
Various languages available, including sign language:
When you select the desired option from the main menu, a sign language button appears at the bottom. By pressing this button, you can watch the content related to that menu in sign language videos. The sign language in the videos are recorded by professional sign language interpreters.
No worries about height:
Previously, wheelchair users, or younger children, had difficulty using the kiosks due to their height but now you don't have to worry anymore. DOT kiosks have sensors that detect the user's height and automatically adjust the screen height to their eye level. Additionally, they have provided ample space for easy wheelchair access.
We are considering the user interface to make it easy for everyone to use. We understand the various requirements of each user group, comply with accessibility standards, and strive for clear and intuitive UI/UX design using simple words and icons.
The technology of barrier-free kiosks can play an important role in creating a world without discrimination. That's why we are creating kiosks that everyone can conveniently use, aiming to build a more inclusive world. Let's all try to create a world we can enjoy together.