Thread Subject: Re: Thoughts on TEXT SIZE

From: Robert_Nerhood@Dell.com
Date: Tue, Feb 05 2008 9:05 AM

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Gregg,



A couple of questions relative to application.



Would keyboards and keypads (like on a cell) have to meet this relative
to their legends? Or would the be excluded based on the "uniquely
tactily discernible note?



For content such as regulatory labels and marks. Should there be an
exclusionary note as this content is typically available either as hard
or soft copy with the product?



Thanks,


Rob



From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Gregg
Vanderheiden
Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 9:31 AM
To: 'TEITAC Committee'
Subject: [teitac-committee] Thoughts on TEXT SIZE



One of the outstanding provisions is Text Size





Talking with vision scientist Aries Arditi at Lighthouse International
(an organization for people with visuals disabilities) we came up with
an approach for TEITAC to consider.




TEXT SIZE


There must be at least one mode where all information that is required
for product use and is provided is set in type (or with pixel
dimensions, when converted to points) that is:

- For devices designed to be located in public places or for
devices used away from a persons workstation

o At least 12 points if text is a label and if the user can
position their face close to the label

o else at least 14 points for all other text

- For devices designed to be located at a persons workstation

o At least 10 points if text is a label and if the user can
position their face close to the label

o else at least 12 points for all other text



Note: 1 point = 1/72.27 inches (on computer displays 1/72 inch).

Note: These are minimums and it is recommended that larger fonts be
used wherever possible on any product - either by default or as an
option.

Note: If other means of conveying the information in the label or
instructions exists (e.g. uniquely tactilely discernible though shape),
then the information in text is not required and the text size
requirement does not apply.





Rationale:



- The goal is to support people with low vision but those with
vision less than 20/70 would typically use an assistive device.

- 8pt type is small but acceptable type size for those with
20/20 viewing at 40 cm (15.7 in).

- For someone with 20/70 an acceptable size is roughly 28 pts
at 40 cm viewing distance.

- If we assume users with low vision can move in closer (half
distance - 20 cm) to view text, 14 pt type would provide type that
subtends the same visual angle (as 28 pt at 40 cm).

- When at one's workstation it is reasonable to assume that
special reading aids (such as magnifying glass) would be available even
if in the range of 20/30 to 20/70.

- When away from one's desk, those with 20/70 vision or better
would be presumed to not usually have any magnifying devices with them.
Those with worse than 20/70 vision would be presumed to carry portable
optical magnifying devices (including special glasses) with them. So
the provision is aimed at those with low vision but not very low vision
(beyond 20/70).

- These are MINUMUMS and it is recommended that larger fonts be
used wherever possible on any product - either by default or as an
option.





Gregg
-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.

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