Usability and accessibility research
We believe in accessible communications for everyone.
This section covers research in a number of related areas: usability of devices and services, and accessibility, particularly in relation to older people and those with disabilities; specific communications technologies such as audio description and text relay; and the accessibility of communications services for the purposes of active citizenship.
Our access and inclusion research looks at how well communications services meet the needs of consumers, especially those who may be in vulnerable circumstances.
We have conducted a wide variety of research into the various technologies and services available to widen communications access, for example relay services, apps, audio description, and subtitling.
Ofcom text relay services research Oct 2015
Ofcom seminar about usable and accessible smartphone and TV apps Jun 2013
Research into awareness of audio description Jun 2013
CSMG report on international deployments of video relay services Oct 2012
Ease of accessing bills Feb 2012
Ofcom relay services Feb 2011
Assistive technologies in communications: report on needs, new technologies and ongoing research Jul 2010
A study into the effectiveness of speech-to-text as an assistive tool in VoIP communications Jul 2010
Research into the awareness and use of audio description Sep 2009
Voice telephony services for deaf people Jul 2009
Voice calls for deaf people Jul 2009
Access services audio description: research into awareness levels Jul 2008
Ease-of-use issues with domestic electronic communications equipment Jul 2007
Research report: easy-to-use digital TV receivers (PDF) Apr 2007
Feasibility of additional telephone relay services Nov 2006
Provision of access services Mar 2006
Summary of research on the ease of use of domestic digital television equipment Mar 2006
Subtitling: an issue of speed Jan 2005
In an effort to understand consumers' needs, we research the experiences of disabled customers and other users of access services.
Disabled consumers' use of communications services 2016 (PDF, 3.3 MB) Jan 2017
Disability research - technical report 2016 (PDF, 165.3 KB) Jan 2017
Disabled consumers' use of communications services Oct 2015
Citizens and communications services Oct 2014
Disabled consumers' ownership of communications services Sep 2013
Services for disabled users of communications services Oct 2010
Next-generation services for older and disabled people Sep 2010
Disabilities mystery shopping – main report Aug 2010
People with visual impairments and communications services Nov 2008
Usability in the communications sector Jun 2008
Digital television switchover and disabled, older, isolated and low-income consumers Jun 2007
Universal service obligation: deaf and hearing-impaired consumers and text phone services Jun 2004
2021
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2021
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2021 (Channel 4)
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-June 2021
2020
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2020
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-Jul 2020
2019
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2019
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-Jul 2019
2018
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2018
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-Jul 2018
For older reports, see the National Archives.