ISO/IEC 10779:2008

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 10779
First edition
2008-06-15


Information technology — Office
equipment accessibility guidelines
for elderly persons and persons
with disabilities
Technologies de l'information — Lignes directrices pour l'accessibilité à
l'équipement de bureau par les personnes âgées et par les personnes
avec un handicap




Reference number
ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2008

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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Principles. 2
4.1 Basic policies . 2
4.2 Basic requirements. 3
4.3 Recommended requirements . 6
5 Requirements for operation. 6
5.1 Scope of accessible functions and specifications. 6
5.2 Alternative accessibility function requirements. 7
5.3 Requirements for operation to be considered. 7
5.4 Requirements for operation display . 8
5.5 Requirements for mechanical operable controls . 10
5.6 Requirements for terms . 11
5.7 Alternate methods . 11
5.8 Requirements for information security . 11
5.9 Requirements for maintenance such as care and parts replacement by users . 12
6 Basic requirements for planning, development, and designing. 12
6.1 General. 12
6.2 Disclosure of information related to accessibility . 12
6.3 Requirements for evaluation . 12
6.4 Requirements for user feedback. 12
6.5 Requirements for user support. 13
Annex A (normative) Basic functions and operation . 14
Annex B (informative) Advanced functions and operation. 18
Bibliography . 23

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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 10779 was prepared by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (as JIS X 8341-5:2006) and
was adopted, under a special “fast-track procedure”, by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1,
Information technology, in parallel with its approval by the national bodies of ISO and IEC.

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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
Introduction
With the progress of the information society, people will increasingly use information communication
equipment, software, and services such as the Internet that are made possible by information communication
technology.
This International Standard has been developed as guidelines to assist in the design and evaluation of office
equipment for operation by persons with the widest range of capabilities, including persons with disabilities
and persons with temporary disabilities.
This International Standard specifies features to provide guidance for designers of office equipment, based on
ISO/IEC Guide 71:2001, Guidelines for standards developers to address the needs of older persons and
persons with disabilities and ISO 9241-20, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 20: Accessibility
guidelines for information/communication technology (ICT) equipment and services.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)

Information technology — Office equipment accessibility
guidelines for elderly persons and persons with disabilities
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies accessibility guidelines to be considered when planning, developing and
designing electrophotographic copying machines, page printers and multi-function devices. These guidelines
are intended to improve accessibility required when primarily older persons, persons with disabilities and
persons with temporary disabilities (hereafter referred to as older persons and persons with disabilities) use
office equipment.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC Guide 71:2001, Guidelines for standards developers to address the needs of older persons and
persons with disabilities
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC Guide 71 and the following
apply.
3.1
multi-function device
device providing two or more functions, such as electrophotographic copying, facsimile, printing and scanning
functions
3.2
accessibility
usability of office equipment by persons with the widest range of capabilities, including persons with
disabilities and persons with temporary disabilities
NOTE The concept of accessibility addresses the full range of user capabilities and is not limited to users who are
formally recognized as having disability.
3.3
ergonomics
human factors
biological characteristics that can validly be applied to the specification, design, evaluation, operation and
maintenance of products and systems, to enhance safety, and ensure effective and satisfying use by
individuals, groups and organizations
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
3.4
assistive technology
assistive design
piece of equipment, product system, software or service that is used to increase, maintain or improve
functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
NOTE This can be acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified or customized. The term includes technical aids for
persons with disabilities. Assistive devices do not eliminate an impairment but can lessen the difficulty experienced by an
individual in carrying out a task or activity in specific environments.
3.5
impairment
problem in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss, which can be temporary – due for
example to injury – or permanent, slight or severe and can fluctuate over time, in particular deterioration due
to aging
NOTE 1 Body function can be a physiological or physiological function of a body system; body structure refers to an
anatomical part of the body such as organs, limbs and their components (as defined in the International Classification of
Functioning and Disability (ICIDH-2) of July 1999).
NOTE 2 This definition differs slightly from that in ICIDH-2 1CH, May 2001, WHO.
3.6
user
person who interacts with the product, service or environment
NOTE Adapted from ISO 9241-11:1998.
3.7
usability
extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness,
efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use
[ISO 9241-11:1998]
4 Principles
4.1 Basic policies
The basic policies which shall be followed with respect to office equipment in order to ensure and improve
accessibility are as follows.
a) During the planning, development, and designing phases for office equipment, consideration shall be
given to ensure that older persons and persons with disabilities are able to use the equipment.
b) During the planning, development, and designing phases for office equipment, consideration shall be
given to user needs, accessibility shall be evaluated, and the result of this evaluation shall be reflected in
the equipment design and implementation.
c) The accessibility feature of office equipment should not disrupt or disable any safety feature of the office
equipment.
d) Even when accessibility features are added, it should not disrupt and disable any functions that were
activated previously.
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
4.2 Basic requirements
4.2.1 General
In order to ensure and improve the accessibility of office equipment, the following basic requirements related
to the physical abilities of users shall be considered.
However, guideline does not require office equipment to comply with all the basic requirements, but does
require that the office equipment complies with at least one of them.
NOTE Two types of features may be used to satisfy the requirements: common functions and alternate functions.
⎯ Common functions: These functions are commonly used by a variety of users.
⎯ Alternate functions: These are used as alternatives to specific functions. For instance, voice-based
functions used as an alternative to displaying would be considered an alternate function.
4.2.2 Operable with limited vision or without vision
Office equipment shall be operable even when it is difficult to obtain information through vision.
Since users with visual disabilities, color blindness, reduced visual acuity due to aging, and other such
conditions may have difficulty in locating the positions and functions of operable controls, keys, switches, and
other objects, alternate methods should be provided for users with limited vision and/or without vision.
EXAMPLE 1 Auditory feedback as well as visual information are provided to notify users of an operating state or an
error.
EXAMPLE 2 The 5 key on a numeric keypad has a tactile label (nib).
EXAMPLE 3 Important keys for operations, such as a Start key and Stop key, are shaped differently so that they can
be identified by touch.
EXAMPLE 4 Operable controls such as operation handles and guides are tactilely discernible due to their unique
shape or tactile marks.
EXAMPLE 5 Power switches and other similar important keys are designed with some type of obstruction such as
protective barrier around the keys or to be located in a recess so that they may not be pressed accidentally.
EXAMPLE 6 An end corner reference is provided on the document setting position, so that users can place a
document on the original platen glass by touch.
EXAMPLE 7 The lines indicating the maximum capacity of documents that can be loaded into the automatic document
feeder’s document tray, and the maximum capacity of sheets of paper that can be loaded into the paper feed tray or paper
cassette, are tactile as well as visible.
EXAMPLE 8 Auditory signals, such as input, invalid input, and base point tones are used for key operation feedbacks.
EXAMPLE 9 The office equipment has an auditory signal at the base point position when using toggle keys.
EXAMPLE 10 Black and white reversed screen display is provided so that the display is easier to view for users with
impaired or limited vision.
EXAMPLE 11 A magnified view of information on the display is provided.
EXAMPLE 12 Display methods whereby the only methods of providing information in one location is through a change
in color are not to be used.
EXAMPLE 13 Operation using voice recognition or voice guidance is provided.
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
4.2.3 Operable with limited hearing or without hearing
Office equipment shall be operable even if it is difficult to obtain auditory information.
In the case where information is only provided auditorily, this information may be lost due to hearing
impairments, noisy environments, or environments where sound is forbidden. For this reason, alternate
methods should be provided to users with limited hearing and/or without hearing.
EXAMPLE 1 Visual information such as screen display as well as auditory information are provided to notify users of
an operating status or equipment error.
EXAMPLE 2 Notification of the facsimile function’s reception, paper supply, paper jam, and other issues is provided
with visual information such as a light , blinking indicator or status indication on a screen, as well as auditory information.
4.2.4 Operable even when operation through speech is difficult
Office equipment shall be operable even when operation through speech is difficult.
When the information use and operation by speech is a main function, alternate methods not requiring speech
shall be provided.
EXAMPLE Equipment operated by voice recognition is operable through key input as well.
4.2.5 Operable with limited reach
Office equipment shall be operable with limited reach.
EXAMPLE 1 The display is set in a legible position and the operable controls are set in a position where input
operations through keys entries and other methods are possible, regardless of differences in height of users.
EXAMPLE 2 The position and angle of operable controls are adjustable for users. For instance, an angle of the control
panel is adjustable.
EXAMPLE 3 The main operable controls of office equipment are designed in positions to allow operation by as many
users as possible.
EXAMPLE 4 Removing copy sheets from the copy-receiving tray is easy regardless of user’s physique.
4.2.6 Operable with physical low strength or fine motor control
Office equipment shall be operable or usable for people who do not have significant physical strength or fine
motor control.
The mechanically operable controls of equipment shall be easy to operate without excessive force or the need
for delicate operations.
Since a required force varies depending on the shape and size of an operable control; the shape, size, and
force required for operable controls shall be considered from a comprehensive standpoint.
EXAMPLE 1 Operable controls do not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
EXAMPLE 2 The paper feed tray and automatic document feeder are designed with springs, levers, electric motors, or
other methods to reduce the operational power required for opening and closing.
EXAMPLE 3 The paper guide or the document guide is easy to align with the paper or document, even if users lacks
physical strength or control capability.
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
4.2.7 Operable irrespective of lower body impairments
Office equipment shall be operable by persons with lower body impairments.
EXAMPLE 1 Users can operate the equipment without crouching.
EXAMPLE 2 The office equipment has handles that can be used to support users.
EXAMPLE 3 The office equipment is operable with one hand, considering users who use crutches and other such aids.
EXAMPLE 4 The office equipment is operable by remote control as well as the control panel.
4.2.8 Operable by wheelchair user
Office equipment shall be operable from a seated position such as from a wheelchair.
The display of equipment should be placed at a legible position, and the operable controls should be placed in
a position that can be reached with the hands, so that those who use wheelchairs can operate the office
equipment from a seated position. Otherwise, alternate methods shall be provided.
EXAMPLE 1 The control panel is in the front of the main unit.
EXAMPLE 2 The control panel's angle is adjustable to users.
EXAMPLE 3 The operable controls and scanner is separable from the device to put them on the desk.
EXAMPLE 4 For desktop office equipment where the office equipment is placed on a desk 700 mm above the floor,
the operable controls are within the reach of users and at a distance from which they are legible.
EXAMPLE 5 For office equipment located on the floor, the paper feed tray or at least one paper cassette is positioned
380mm or higher above the floor.
EXAMPLE 6 A wheelchair user can stop the position of ADF(automatic document feeder) or platen cover when
opening and closing at any position and the device will maintain that position for the user.
EXAMPLE 7 Users can operate the office equipment from wheelchair alongside the office equipment with one hand
only, and simultaneous operations with two hands are not required.
EXAMPLE 8 The office equipment is operable with remote control devices as well as the main body’s control panel.
EXAMPLE 9 Automatic document feeder trays and other such trays are transparently colored so that documents are
visible through the trays.
4.2.9 Operable with either hand
Office equipment shall be operable with either hand.
Office equipment shall be operable with one hand and/or shall not require two hands for normal operation,
such as operations requiring users to operate a lever with one hand while supporting an object with the other
hand.
EXAMPLE 1 Operable controls are operable with either hand, left or right.
EXAMPLE 2 Input operations do not require multiple keys to be pressed simultaneously.
EXAMPLE 3 The automatic document feeder can stop at any user's desired position, so that users can set a
document on the original platen glass with one hand.
EXAMPLE 4 Paper guide and document guide are set with one hand easily.
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
4.2.10 Operable with limited mobility in the arms, legs, fingers, or with artificial limbs
Office equipment shall be operable with limited mobility in the arms, legs, fingers, or with artificial limbs.
Even when muscular weakness, paralysis, trembling hands, involuntary movements, and other causes make it
difficult for users to accurately press controls such as buttons, keys, and switches, the office equipment should
be operable with one hand, without requiring simultaneous combination operations.
EXAMPLE 1 Operable controls do not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
EXAMPLE 2 The main operation keys are designed as large as possible, with the surface of keys shaped concavely.
EXAMPLE 3 The Start key has a key guard in order to prevent inadvertent operation.
EXAMPLE 4 The input controls of the touch screen use technology that recognize operations with such as artificial
hands.
EXAMPLE 5 The areas surrounding operable controls is left vacant, with space roughly equivalent to the size of a fist.
4.3 Recommended requirements
The following requirements are recommended for ensuring and improving the accessibility of office equipment.
a) Office equipment should be operable without an excessive burden placed upon cognitive or memory
abilities.
b) Office equipment should be operable irrespective of cultural and linguistic differences.
EXAMPLE The language of operable controls is selectable appropriate to users.
c) Office equipment should be operable by users without previous experience.
EXAMPLE This provision does not apply to office equipment that requires professional training in order to learn
how to operate the device.
EXAMPLE 1 Voice instructions can guide users in the operation of the office equipment.
EXAMPLE 2 The basic functions of the office equipment are operable intuitively without reference to the manual.
5 Requirements for operation
5.1 Scope of accessible functions and specifications
The basic functions of office equipment shall meet the accessibility requirements specified in these guidelines.
Other expanded functions are within the scope of recommendation.
The functions of multifunction devices include copying, facsimile, printing, scanning, etc. The following
provisions cover each scope of operation:
a) Basic functions and scope of operation are given in Annex A (normative).
b) Expanded functions and scope of operation are given in Annex B (informative).
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
5.2 Alternative accessibility function requirements
Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of designs, functions, or technologies as alternatives to
those prescribed in these guidelines provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater access to and
use of a product for older persons and persons with disabilities.
EXAMPLE 1 Users who are blind or visually impaired can operate office equipment using voice command without
using the control panel due to voice recognition technology, the LCD touch screen of the office equipment is otherwise
inoperable by these users.
EXAMPLE 2 By connecting other information technology (such as personal computers that has accessibility features)
to the office equipment such as multifunction device and printer , it is possible to improve the accessibility of the office
equipment.
5.3 Requirements for operation to be considered
Developers responsible for accessibility should plan, develop, and design office equipment with due
consideration of the following requirements of user’s task so that users can achieve their planned task.
See Annex A (normative) and Annex B (informative) for task details.
Furthermore, an overview of operations related to work requirements is given below.
a) Access to office equipment
Office equipments should be designed to minimize any obstructions so that users have access to and can
operate the office equipment.
b) Operation procedures
Office equipment should provide user interfaces customizable based on the user's preference so that it is
operable by the user.
c) Starting and ending operations
Office equipment should allow users to operate the start and stop controls independently. There are
cases however, such as for facsimile, where the power is always on and the user therefore is not required
to operate the power switch.
d) Confirmation of input and setting operations
Office equipment should provide multiple means for users to verify the input/setting result of their
operations, so that this information is provided through at least two of the following senses: vision,
hearing, and/or touch.
e) Consistency of operation
Office equipment should implement consistent and easy operation processes based on the user's
perspective and behavioral characteristics so that these processes are more intuitive and easier to
understand.
f) Adjustment of display/voice output
Where office equipment permits a user to adjust screen display or voice output settings, it should support
functions for the user to adjust the settings according to user preference.
g) Timed response
Where office equipment requires a timed response from a user, it should inform the user in advance of
time limit and provide notification as to whether or not the time limit is adjustable.
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ISO/IEC 10779:2008(E)
h) Prevention of errors
Office equipment should be designed to minimize erroneous operation due to the user's physical abilities.
i) Reverting to the initial state
Office equipment should return to the initial state with a simple operation, even if an operational error
occurs in the middle of an operation.
j) Operation during error
When office equipment is not functioning correctly, it should provide a method for a user to return the
equipment to operable state, or should inform the user of the current status to contact a service person.
5.4 Requirements for operation display
5.4.1 Display requirements
Display requirements are as follows.
a) Text printed on operable controls shall be of an appropriate size and contrast.
b) A screen display device should support advanced functions such as character enlargement and contrast
adjustment.
c) Color coding shall not be used as the only method of providing information.
EXAMPLE 1 The office equipment does not use color-coding as the only method of selecting/setting features, for
example it combines other methods, such as text-labels, with the use of color.
EXAMPLE 2 The office equipment supports a combination of methods such as an indicator light on, off or flashing as
well as the use of graphic symbols for status information on the display.
d) When colors are used in operable controls, the color schemes should enable users with color weakness
to identify the controls easily.
e) When office equipment permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a range of color selections
capable of producing a variety of contrast levels and color schemes should be provided.
f) Viewing from a seated position such as a wheelchair should be possible, or an alternate display meth
...