Kiosk and Digital Display Accessibility

Kiosks, digital signage, and interactive displays are commonly used across the university to share information, provide services, and deliver interactive experiences. Ensuring these technologies are accessible helps create a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities and improves usability for all users.

This guidance applies to a variety of digital display systems, including touchscreen kiosks, informational displays, self-service stations, digital wayfinding systems, event displays, menu boards, and other interactive or public-facing technologies.

Some important accessibility considerations for digital display systems include:

  • Color Contrast
  • Alt Text
  • Plain Language
  • Captions and Transcripts
  • Motion and Flashing Restraints
  • Display Durations and Session Time Limits
  • Physical Accessibility
  • Touch Target Size
  • Alternative Input Support
  • Screen Reader and Speech Output Support
  • Alternative Access to Information

Content & Interface Design Best Practices

Color Contrast

Text, icons, and interactive elements should have sufficient contrast against their background to ensure content is readable for users who are blind or have low vision.

Some ways to help improve accessibility in this area include:

  • Avoid using light text on light backgrounds.
  • Ensure buttons and controls are clear and easy to identify.
  • Avoid placing text over busy images or videos when possible.

For more information on color contrast and accessible color use, visit the Color and Accessibility page.

To test the color contrast of your content directly, use the WebAIM Contrast Checker or the Colour Contrast Analyzer (CCA).

Alt Text

Images, graphics, and icons that convey important information should include meaningful alternative text or another accessible text equivalent.

For more information on how to write and add alt text to images, visit the Alt Text Basics page.

Captions and Transcripts

Videos and multimedia content displayed on kiosks or digital signage should include captions or transcripts when audio information is presented.

Some helpful accessibility practices for multimedia content include:

  • Provide captions for videos that have sounds or speech.
  • Ensure captions are accurate and readable.
  • Provide transcripts for audio-only content when appropriate.
  • Avoid relying solely on audio to convey important information.

For more information on adding captions to your content, visit the Captions Overview page.

Plain Language

Clear and simple language helps users understand instructions and navigate interfaces more effectively.

To help make content easier to understand:

  • Use concise and straightforward language.
  • Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terminology.
  • Provide clear instructions and error messages.

Motion and Flashing Restraints

Excessive motion, flashing, or animations can create barriers for users with cognitive, vestibular, or seizure-related disabilities.

To help reduce accessibility barriers:

  • Avoid flashing or rapidly blinking content.
  • Limit excessive animations and motion effects.
  • Avoid automatically moving content when possible.
  • Provide pause or stop controls for moving content.

Display Durations and Session Time Limits

Users may need additional time to read content or complete interactions.

Some accessibility considerations for timed content include:

  • Allow users enough time to complete tasks.
  • Avoid rapidly rotating or disappearing content.
  • Provide warnings before the session times out.
  • Allow users to extend time limits when possible.

Hardware, Installation & System Best Practices

Physical Accessibility

Kiosks and displays should be physically accessible to individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

When setting up digital display systems, consider the following:

  • Ensure controls and touchscreens are within accessible reach ranges, typically no more than 48 inches from the ground.
  • Provide sufficient clear floor space around displays.
  • Ensure users can comfortably approach and interact with the system.

Touch Target Size

Interactive elements should be large enough and spaced far enough apart to support users with limited dexterity or mobility disabilities.

When designing interactive controls, consider the following best practices:

  • Use large buttons and controls.
  • Provide adequate spacing between interactive elements.
  • Ensure important actions are easy to activate.

Alternative Input Support

Some users may not be able to use touchscreens. When possible, kiosks and interactive systems should support keyboard navigation or alternative input methods.

To help improve accessibility for a wider range of users:

  • Provide accessible input methods such as tactile keypads, physical navigation controls, or other non-visual navigation options that do not rely solely on touch.
  • Support keyboard navigation where applicable.
  • Avoid interactions that require dragging, pinching, or other complex gestures.

Screen Reader and Speech Output Support

Users who are blind or have low vision may rely on screen readers or speech output to interact with digital systems.

Some accessibility considerations for this area include:

  • Ensure buttons and controls have descriptive labels.
  • Ensure content can be interpreted by assistive technology.
  • Provide audio output options when appropriate. A standard headphone jack with universal volume control allows users to listen to speech output privately.

Alternative Access to Information

When a kiosk or digital display cannot be fully accessible, users should still have another way to access the same information or service.

Some ways to provide alternative access include:

  • Provide alternative methods for completing tasks.
  • Offer accessible web or mobile versions when possible.
  • Ensure staff assistance is available when needed.
  • Include contact information for accessibility support.

Additional Resources