Digital Signage, Kiosks, and Interactive Displays Standard

As a general rule, Utah State University departments and employees are responsible for the accessibility of the digital signage, kiosks, and interactive displays they create, publish, maintain, manage, distribute, or procure, with help and guidance provided by support teams. 

Quality Standard

All digital signage, kiosks, and interactive displays must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements.

Scope

This standard applies to all digital signage, kiosks, and interactive displays used by USU for communication or service delivery. This includes:

  • Digital signage that displays announcements, schedules, or informational content.
  • Interactive kiosks used for navigation, check-in, ticketing, or service access.
  • Touchscreen displays used for wayfinding or program information.
  • Other public-facing digital displays used in USU buildings or spaces.

Request for Exceptions

Requests for exceptions to this standard will be reviewed individually by the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee through the Accessibility Exception Request process.

Lack of sufficient funding for any unit, department, or college of the university as the sole reason for an exception will not be considered.

Compliance

Digital signage, kiosks, and interactive displays (collectively, “digital display systems”) will be periodically audited for accessibility. If a digital display system is found out of compliance, a report will be shared with the account owner. The owner is responsible for documenting the steps they will take to meet accessibility standards.

If a digital display system continues to be out of compliance, a report will be shared with the unit’s Digital Accessibility Liaison. If issues are not resolved, they will be referred to the Office of the Executive Vice President & Provost.

Failure to address identified accessibility barriers may result in required remediation plans or removal of inaccessible digital content from public access.

Best Practices and Recommendations

The following practices are strongly recommended:

Digital Signage

  • Ensure digital signage content uses sufficient color contrast and readable text.
  • Video content with audio displayed on digital signage should include captions. When captions are not feasible, an equivalent text alternative should be provided.
  • Avoid conveying information using color alone.
  • Avoid flashing or rapidly changing visual content that may trigger seizures or make information difficult to read.
  • When applicable, an accessible version of the same information should be available on MyUSU. 

Kiosks and Interactive Displays

  • Ensure interactive kiosks provide accessible navigation and controls whenever possible.
  • Provide alternative input methods when systems rely on touchscreen interaction.
  • Provide non-visual access to interfaces that rely on visual interaction, such as audio output compatible with assistive technology.
  • Do not rely on audio alone to convey information. Provide visual or text alternatives for any audio-based content or alerts.
  • Provide sufficient time for users to complete tasks and allow users to request additional time when systems include session time limits.
  • Ensure kiosks and interactive controls are positioned so they can be reached and operated by individuals using mobility devices.

Definitions

Digital Display Systems
Digital signage, kiosks, and interactive displays used to present information or provide services in public or shared USU environments.
Digital Signage
Electronic displays used to present digital content such as announcements, schedules, or informational messages in public or shared spaces.
Interactive Display
A digital screen that allows users to interact with content through touch, input devices, or other interactive controls.
Kiosk
A publicly accessible device that provides information or services through a digital interface, such as check-in stations, wayfinding systems, or ticketing systems.

Resources

For questions about digital signage, kiosks, and interactive display accessibility, please contact accessibility@usu.edu.