Overview
ISO/IEC 30113-61:2020 specifies single-point gestures for screen readers, providing a standardized set of touch interactions intended to work consistently across systems, platforms, applications and devices. Focused on accessibility, this part of the ISO/IEC 30113 series defines movements and behaviours for a POI (point of interest - e.g., fingertip, stylus) that screen readers recognize to provide predictable navigation and feedback for users with visual impairments.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Defined single-point gestures: left, right, up, down, tap, double-tap, triple-tap (identifier G61-1), double-tap-and-hold, with general definitions and specific instances of use.
- Gesture parameters and states: e.g., the triple-tap gesture includes a unique identifier, text name, description and three states (initial, intermediate, final).
- Functional mappings:
- Navigation (left/right/up/down) for time-based or hierarchical actions (previous/next item, hierarchy traversal, tile menu movement).
- Content inspection (tap) to read aloud an item or stop speech.
- Activation (double-tap) to execute a selected application or control.
- POI interaction model: gestures are performed by a single POI, which can be a fingertip, pen point or other object; gestures apply regardless of recognition technique or input device.
- Consistency and harmonization: gestures are intended to harmonize with multi-point gestures and follow the general forms and rules described in other parts of the ISO/IEC 30113 series.
- Screen reader behaviors: specifications support functions such as reading the item under a POI, pausing/resuming speech and reporting location context (page, row, tile).
Practical applications
- Implementing consistent touch navigation and interaction models in:
- Mobile and tablet screen reader software (talkback/voiceover-like systems)
- Desktop assistive technologies that accept touch input or stylus input
- Embedded devices and kiosks with tactile screens intended for users with visual impairments
- Guiding UX designers, accessibility engineers and developers to implement predictable gesture-to-command mappings that reduce confusion for visually impaired users.
- Informing QA and accessibility testing to verify gesture behaviours (e.g., tap to read, double-tap to activate, directional gestures for hierarchy traversal).
Who should use this standard
- Accessibility engineers and software developers building screen readers or accessible UIs
- Product designers and UX professionals focused on inclusive design for touch-based interfaces
- Standards bodies, procurement teams and QA/test engineers validating accessibility compliance
Related standards
ISO/IEC 30113-61:2020 is a practical reference for ensuring consistent, accessible single-point gesture behaviour in screen readers and touch-based assistive technology.
Open preview (PDF)Information technology — Gesture-based interfaces across devices and methods — Part 61: Single-point gestures for screen readers
