In short, accessibility improves usability. That’s why we ensure all our keypads are made with the end user in mind. If it’s not easy to use, what’s the point? Mistakes can happen and inaccuracies can result.
If you are losing customers due to your control systems, you have to shift your mindset and work with a company like Si-Tech that cares about usability. Let’s say your clients have disabled employees. They have to be assured that the keypads they use will work and will address the unique needs of differently abled people.
If your custom silicone keypads can’t offer full accessibility, you will be left in the dust. Here are some features of an accessible silicone keypad control.
Visuals: High Contrast
A few main distinct and contrasting colors should be followed in even the simplest silicone keypads.
- The lettering on key labels should be in sharp contrast to the key color. This will ensure easier readability.
- The key color should differ from the color of the area surrounding the key. This will ensure the buttons stand out.
- Key colors should group buttons into so-called “function families”. For instance, red should only be used to stop or cancel actions, and green should only indicate start functions.
- Always use a large, clear font. Labels should be short and sweet while lettering should stand out.
Not only do sharp visuals make it easier for operators with poor vision to read the buttons, they help employees operate equipment under dim light conditions.
Touch Operation
Custom silicone keypads can be made with keys that are raised off the surface. Because flush-mounted keys are not as easy to press, small bumps and indentations on particular keys can guide fingers so workers don’t even have to glance at the keyboard.
Keys with similar functions should be grouped according to their unique shapes. This allows users who are color blind or who have poor vision to easily locate certain keys that are grouped by shape.
Tactile considerations are important when designing devices through touch rather than sight.
Snap Ratio and More
The snap ratio is basically the click firmness that is felt by the user when depressing a key. A high ratio provides a solid tactile and auditory feedback, ideal for visually-impaired operators as well as sighted users who work primarily by touch.
Many companies choose to assign multiple uses to individual keys to keep the keypad size to a minimum. However, this makes it hard for visually-impaired users to determine what each key does. When people can use multiple keys with just one function, this increases the accessibility of the device.
Those with motor difficulties may not be able to depress a key multiple times quickly, or they may have trouble holding a certain key down for long periods. The device itself should not have these types of requirements.
In the end, accessibility impacts everyone in your organization as well as everyone your employees interact with. In order to ensure access to disabled people, your keypads and equipment can be customized to address these issues with just a little planning.
Contact SiTECH
Get in touch with SiTECH Corporation today at 757-887-8488 to ask about how we can ensure accessibility for your users.
