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.

Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) annual reports

On-demand programme services: Access services reports

2018

Television and On-demand programme services: Access services report 2018

2017

This report sets out the extent to which broadcast television channels and on-demand programme services (“ODPS”) carried subtitles, audio description and/or signing (collectively, “access services”) in 2017.

2016/17

This report sets out the extent to which on-demand programme services (ODPS) carried subtitles, audio description or signing during two periods: Jan-Dec 2016 and Jan-July 2017.

Access and inclusion

The access and inclusion reports focus on issues such as take-up of services, devices, affordability and engagement with the communications market as well as outcomes for consumers in vulnerable circumstances in the sectors we regulate – broadband, phones, television and postal services.

These reports focus on consumers whose ability to participate in these markets and society may be affected by factors such as their age, disability, income and their experiences of the communications and postal markets.

Access technologies

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

Captioned telephony - extension of 2006 research report: "Feasibility of Additional Telephone Relay Services" Jan 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

Experience of services

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

Exploring how manufacturers, suppliers and retailers address the needs of older and disabled people: what are the barriers and drivers? Jun 2009

Assistive technologies in communications: unmet needs, new technologies and ongoing research and development programmes Dec 2008

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

Television access services

Non-domestic channels licensed by Ofcom are required to provide access services. Ofcom makes clear that we expect broadcasters to have made up any shortfall in their subtitling or audio description provision.

Usability and accessibility research

2019

2018

2017

2016/17

See also...