Overview
ISO/IEC 30113-62:2026 - Multi-point Gestures for Screen Readers is an international standard from the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 35 technical committee. This document defines clear and classified multi-point gesture-based interactions recognized by screen readers, with a focus on accessibility for people who are visually impaired or blind. By standardizing multi-point gestures across different information and communication technology (ICT) devices and methods, this standard helps developers, manufacturers, and content creators ensure consistent and intuitive user experiences for screen reader users.
Screen readers are essential tools that make digital information accessible by converting text and graphical content to speech or braille. Multi-point gestures-such as those performed with multiple fingertips-are commonly used to control screen readers on devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Consistency in the design and implementation of these gestures helps reduce user confusion and enhances the usability of accessible ICT products.
Key Topics
- Definition and Classification of Multi-point Gestures: The standard outlines a comprehensive set of gestures involving multiple points of interest (POI), typically performed with several fingertips simultaneously or in sequence.
- Screen Reader-Specific Gestures: It details specific multi-point movements and their recognized actions, such as navigation, text manipulation, or invoking context menus, optimized for use with screen readers.
- Gestures Covered: Included are 2-point, 3-point, and 4-point gestures such as tap, double-tap, triple-tap, swipe left/right/up/down, pinch, spread, and their various combinations like double-tap-and-hold.
- Metaphors and User Models: The standard recommends using the "window-mover" metaphor for gesture direction, ensuring that movement directions align with the flow of digital information, which is especially important for non-visual contexts.
- General Requirements: ISO/IEC 30113-62:2026 builds on principles defined in ISO/IEC 30113-12, focusing on alternatives, prioritization, and clarity in gesture assignment for system actions.
Applications
ISO/IEC 30113-62:2026 is highly relevant for:
- Developers and Designers: Ensuring screen reader software and applications across platforms offer consistent, predictable multi-point gesture controls, directly improving accessibility.
- ICT Manufacturers: Integrating standardized gestures at the operating system or device level to support users with visual impairments.
- Software Accessibility Auditors: Evaluating products for compliance with international standards in gesture-based user interfaces for screen readers.
- Assistive Technology Trainers: Educating end-users on consistent gesture interactions across various devices.
- Public and Private Sector Organizations: Fulfilling digital inclusivity policies and procurement requirements by relying on standardized accessibility features.
Practical benefits include:
- Simplified training and onboarding for users of screen readers.
- Reduced errors, improving user confidence and independence.
- Interoperability and harmonization of accessible user interfaces across ecosystems.
Related Standards
When developing or evaluating gesture-based user interfaces for screen readers, the following related standards may also be relevant:
- ISO/IEC 30113-12:2019: User interfaces - Gesture-based interfaces across devices and methods - Multi-point gestures for common system actions.
- ISO/IEC 14754:1999: Pen-based interfaces and gestures.
- ISO/IEC 24786:2009: Access to information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and services.
- ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 35 Standards Series: Related guidelines for user interfaces, with additional parts focusing on single-point gestures and other accessible interaction methods.
For the most up-to-date series and amendments, consult the latest listings at the ISO and IEC official websites.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 30113-62, multi-point gestures, screen readers, accessibility, gesture-based interfaces, visually impaired user interaction, assistive technology standard, ICT accessibility compliance
Open preview (PDF)Information technology — Gesture-based interfaces across devices and methods — Part 62: Multi-point gestures for screen readers
