Telecommunications

Telephones are the most frequently used device; therefore, they must be easy for all to use. To improve their usability, three key factors can be considered: visibility, audibility, and ease of operation.

Visibility: font size, font type, printing contrast

Larger fonts and high color contrast is essential for many people with impaired vision. Instructions for use should be legible and written clearly and concisely.

Audibility: sound clarity, sound volume

For hearing impaired people, an additional receiver can help or can even be used by another person. In the case of public telephones, a device to control volume is helpful to any type of user in order to reduce the level of ambient noise in urban environments.

Ease of operation: button size, button position, configuration process

Larger buttons will help people press the correct key. For blind or partially sighted people, it is useful to be able to feel the telephone keys, and thus it is very important to have a single raised dot on the number five key. Placement of the keys, including function keys, should also be in the standard order. A “send” key or timeout control prevents users who dial slowly from being cut off because of delay and assures them that they have entered the correct number. An anti-slip base, easy-to-hold receiver or shoulder rest can help considerably.

In addition to the universal design features of the products, phones should be located at a lower level. For instance, the insertion points for cards or coins should be within reach for wheelchair users. Adding a folding seat and a utility shelf can help everyone.

Along with public telephones, mobile phones have become an important communication tool for many people. In the international development field, they increasingly draw attention as an innovative tool for creating opportunities in remote areas as seen in the GrameenPhone project, which empowered women in rural Bangladesh. In order to reach out to people in need, mobile phones would also need to accommodate universal design. For example, in addition to some attributes shared with public telephones, keys of a reasonable size and variously-shaped function keys would be helpful. The screen should have large characters and high contrast. The connection for receivers or assistive listening devices makes it possible for many more people to use these phones. Screen-readers have been developed for some mobile phones. Many companies are now developing new products with these features to make mobile phones more accessible.