Overview
ISO/IEC 29136:2012 - Information technology - User interfaces - Accessibility of personal computer hardware specifies requirements and recommendations to improve the accessibility of personal computer hardware. It is intended for use when planning, developing, designing and distributing PCs, and focuses on hardware accessibility (not on the behaviour or internal requirements of assistive technologies). The standard also addresses interoperability and connectivity with assistive technologies and identifies cases where software support is required, while excluding requirements that focus solely on software.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and conformance
- All requirements in Clauses 5–9 are mandatory for conformance; recommendations should be evaluated for applicability.
- General hardware requirements
- Follow ICT accessibility guidance and ensure avoidance of erroneous operations (e.g., case stability, placement of on/off controls).
- Provide tactile, visual and aural cues for essential controls; make on/off and reset controls distinct and configurable.
- Input controls
- Design physical controls for easy operation (including one‑hand operation where applicable), keyboard accessibility, and touch screen considerations.
- Support for alternative input methods and accommodations such as keyguards or tactile discernible controls.
- Output requirements
- Visual information (readability, labeling) and auditory information (notifications, configurable signals) accessibility provisions.
- Data storage and removable media
- Accessible insertion/removal and notification mechanisms for media and drives.
- User support and documentation
- Accessible product information, disclosure of accessibility features to distribution channels, customer support, and maintenance guidance.
- Interoperability
- Address interoperability with assistive technologies as an integrated component, per referenced interoperability standards.
Practical applications
- Use ISO/IEC 29136:2012 to guide the design of accessible desktop PCs, laptops, workstations and peripherals so they can be used by older adults and people with diverse abilities.
- Apply the standard during product planning, industrial design, hardware engineering, product testing, procurement, and compliance/quality assurance to reduce barriers in hardware design.
- Leverage it for accessibility risk assessments and to document conformance when selling or certifying hardware.
Who should use this standard
- Hardware designers and product engineers
- Accessibility specialists and UX designers
- Procurement officers, compliance managers and QA teams
- Assistive technology integrators and system architects
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 29136:2012, personal computer hardware accessibility, user interfaces, assistive technologies, hardware accessibility requirements, accessibility standard.