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Identify component function and device status through accessible channels

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You previously learned about a player who faced accessibility barriers related to physical unboxing and hardware setup. There are many other areas of accessibility to consider.

In this unit, learn about potential barriers that inaccessible hardware experiences can pose for players with visual disabilities. You're introduced to best practices that can improve accessible experiences for these players as they navigate the following types of tasks:

• Locate the ports and buttons on the console.
• Identify the functions of each port and button.
• Identify the correct cable and insert it into the proper port.

Support component discoverability and identification

The visual presence of buttons, ports, and labels on devices are important in guiding successful interactions. For example, a player might want to mute the volume on their gaming headset. However, their headset has multiple buttons that are the same shape and size. Luckily, each button is labeled with power and mic mute symbols. The player uses this visual information to successfully differentiate the mute button from the others.

Consider how this experience might differ for a player who can't see these labels to inform their actions. They might accidentally press the power button and turn off their device instead of muting it, resulting in a negative experience.

The following video discusses these considerations and how to address them through accessible supports in more detail.

Indicate device status through multiple sensory channels

The current status of a device is another important piece of information that guides successful interactions. Device status informs a player of critical information, including the device's:

• Current power state, such as on or off.
• Current battery level.
• Pairing status, like pairing mode initiated versus pairing complete.

These status indicators often use visual cues to communicate this information to players. Visual cues can exclude some players from using this information to guide successful device use.

The following video introduces these barriers in more detail. It presents best practices on how this information can be provided to more players through accessible channels.

Check your knowledge

1.

Which of the following approaches should not be used to improve the accessible experience of players with visual disabilities in identifying the function of components on their devices?

Increase the size and contrast of the text labels that identify the connection type and that are placed above each port.

Include distinct tactile indicators for each port type that are easily differentiated by touch.

Ship the device with cords preconnected to the device, which eliminates the need for players to identify or insert them at home.

2.

A device uses color and light as the sole means of communication to notify the player when battery power is low. How can the battery status indicator and its associated notifications be modified to make them accessible to players with visual or cognitive disabilities?

Provide an option to turn on audio-based notifications that alert the player that the battery is low and prompt them to plug in their device.

Ensure that the battery level is available in a software-based user interface on another device to which headphones can be connected, such as a phone or desktop application.

Using large status indicator lights that rapidly blink to capture a player's attention.

You must answer all questions before checking your work.

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