Accessibility and usability of self-service terminals, technologies and systems: Introduction to the special thematic session

Abstract

This short paper introduces the seven papers a special thematic session dedicated to discussing accessibility and usability issues of self-service terminals technologies and systems. The authors are from a mix of academic and industry backgrounds, thus bringing together a range of stakeholder perspectives. The papers include experimental investigations; user testing and feedback from real world deployments; novel interface and interaction concepts; and critical appraisals of standards and legislation as mechanisms for ensuring accessibility. To give some context to the focus on SSTs, particularly when some are being replaced by combinations of mobile app on smartphones, this introduction presents a brief account of current and past interest in the accessibility and usability of SSTs in Europe, as evidenced by the upcoming European Accessibility Act.