Download Complete Report (PDF 1.19mb) - RNIB

Research report: 

Are you really listening? 

The equipment needs of blind and partially sighted 

consumers for accessible and usable digital radio 

Dr Jonathan Freeman, Dr Jane Lessiter and Ms Eva Ferrari

Prepared for Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) by Dr Jonathan Freeman, 

Dr Jane Lessiter and Ms Eva Ferrari 

i2 media research ltd 

Department of Psychology 

Goldsmiths 

University of London 

New Cross 

London 

SE14 6NW 

Telephone 020 7919 7884 

Fax 020 7919 7873 

Email j.freeman@gold.ac.uk 

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) 

Media and Culture Department 

105 Judd Street 

London 

WC1H 9NE 

Telephone 020 7388 1266 

Fax 020 7387 7109 

Email broadcasting@rnib.org.uk 

Project steering group: 

Heather Cryer 

Angela Edwards 

Anna Jones 

Shaun Leamon 

Leen Petré 

Cathy Rundle 

2

Foreword 

Foreword 

Access to radio is key to the quality of life of blind and partially sighted people. 

Research shows that listening to the radio is a favoured and valued pastime for many. 

Consumer digital radio equipment is able to provide listeners with a range of additional 

features and functions over analogue radio, including an increased choice of content 

through more stations, and the possibility of pausing live programmes as well as 

recording and playing back digital radio broadcasts. 

However, anecdotal evidence suggested to us that the needs of blind and partially 

sighted people were not met by existing digital radio equipment. In this context, the 

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) commissioned primary independent 

research from i2 media research limited to identify the equipment needs of blind and 

partially sighted consumers for usable and accessible digital radio equipment. In 

addition, we wanted to compare those needs to those of sighted control groups and 

people with dexterity problems and dyslexia. The result is a fascinating report that 

highlights the many similarities between the needs of these different consumer groups 

and that provides designers of digital radio equipment with a set of very precise design 

recommendations that should enable them make their products more user-friendly and 

accessible. 

As a second tier to this project, RNIB has also commissioned Ricability to conduct a 

comparative evaluation of currently available DAB equipment against the design 

checklist, to fully assess what the precise state of the market is with regards to 

usability and accessibility and advise consumers on purchase decisions. 

This i2 Media research report shows that equipment design can be improved 

considerably, and that some significant changes are relatively easy to implement for 

the product chain. RNIB is keen to make the design recommendations from this 

research happen. This report is therefore an open invitation to manufacturers, retailers, 

representative UK and European industry bodies, regulators and the UK government to 

make the digital radio experience of blind and partially sighted people a better one, 

and we are grateful to those who have already started that journey with us. 

Leen Petré 

Principal Manager, Media and Culture Department, RNIB 

3

Executive summary 

1. Aims 

The research questions addressed in the project were: 

1. What are the core functional requirements of blind and partially sighted people 

from consumer digital radio equipment? 

2. What are the design considerations required to make the more advanced functions 

of current and emerging consumer digital radio equipment accessible to blind and 

partially sighted people? 

3. What are the accessibility and usability priorities for accessible and easy to use 

consumer digital radio equipment for blind and partially sighted people? 

4. To what extent (and how) are accessibility considerations built into manufacturers’ 

product design and development processes of consumer digital radio equipment? 

Within this context, how feasible is it for manufacturers to develop consumer 

digital radio equipment that is accessible to blind and partially sighted people? 

2. Methods 

To address the above research questions, the project involved both consumer and 

industry research. 

The consumer research comprised two activities: 

1. Qualitative in-depth research in the homes of 38 Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) 

radio consumers around the UK (24 blind and partially sighted consumers, 3 

consumers with dyslexia, 3 with reduced dexterity, and 8 ‘sighted control’ 

participants). Participants were interviewed and observed using familiar and 

unfamiliar DAB equipment during these sessions. The goal of this activity was to 

gain an in-depth understanding of the needs of blind and partially sighted people 

in terms of maximising the accessibility and usability of consumer digital radio 

equipment. In addition, the research aimed to assess how the digital radio 

equipment needs of blind and partially sighted people compared with those of 

sighted people, people with dyslexia and people with dexterity impairments. 

4


2. A telephone-based survey (Short Preference Survey) involving 325 DAB users (a 

sample of 100 blind and partially sighted DAB users, and a nationally 

representative control sample of 225 DAB users). The goal of this activity was to 

evaluate the extent to which current DAB radios support independent use by blind 

and partially sighted consumers, compared with sighted consumers, and to 

highlight any similarities and differences. 

The industry research involved the project researchers conducting in-depth interviews 

with six senior representatives of manufacturers and other entities in the consumer 

DAB equipment supply chain. The majority of these interviews were conducted faceto-face, 

though two were conducted via the telephone. The goal of the industry 

interviews was to find out how participant companies currently research user needs, 

the extent to which the needs of blind and partially sighted consumers are researched 

and/or understood by participant companies, and what the industry sees as barriers for 

addressing the needs of blind and partially sighted consumers. 

3. Main findings 

3.1 Blind and partially sighted users tend to be more reliant on radio than 

sighted users 

Consistent with much of the background literature reviewed in the project, access 

to radio was revealed in both the project’s qualitative and quantitative research as 

more important to blind and partially sighted participants than to sighted 

participants. Blind and partially sighted participants were more likely to refer to 

listening to the radio as their favoured pastime. 

3.2 There are clear benefits for sighted consumers when the equipment needs of 

people with sight problems are addressed 

Many of the usability and accessibility issues which affected blind and partially 

sighted participants’ use of DAB equipment were also observed to reduce usability 

for sighted participants. Addressing the design considerations should improve the 

user experience of digital radio equipment for all groups: blind, partially sighted 

and sighted consumers. The top level design considerations relate to button 

feedback, button design, physical properties of the text display and interface 

software design. 

5


3.3 Limited interest in and concerns about advanced functions 

Many blind, partially sighted and sighted participants showed no interest in 

advanced features, either because they felt they had no need for them or they 

currently used and were comfortable with alternative methods for features such as 

recording. Many blind and partially sighted participants expressed concern that 

advanced features were not accessible to them because these features rely heavily 

on the text display. 

3.4 Voice output greatly increases the ability of blind and partially sighted 

consumers to use digital radio equipment as independently as sighted 

consumers 

A major difference between how blind and partially sighted and sighted consumers 

use DAB radio is whether or not they can use their equipment independently. The 

research revealed that blind and partially sighted people can use radios with voice 

output more independently than they can use radios without voice output. Voice 

output provides audible (synthetic or recorded) speech feedback to the user in one 

or both of two ways. First a voice can confirm via speech, the buttons that a user 

presses or functions that a user alters. Second, a voice can read out the 

information that appears on the radio’s text display (eg station name, time, genre). 

Comparing matched samples, relative to sighted DAB users, blind and partially 

sighted users who do not have voice output on their radio were twice as likely to 

report needing help from another person to use their DAB radio. At first use, 90 

per cent of blind and partially sighted participants who were using a DAB radio 

without voice output reported needing help from someone else. This contrasted 

significantly with the much lower figure of 39 per cent of the nationally 

representative sample reporting needing help. For subsequent use of DAB radio, 

blind and partially sighted participants using a DAB radio without voice output 

were again significantly more likely than the nationally representative sample to 

report needing help (69 per cent versus 17 per cent). 

However, a much lower figure, namely 48 per cent of blind and partially sighted 

participants reporting on radios with voice output needed help from someone else 

at first use, and 26 per cent needed help for subsequent use. Voice output 

provided a level playing field, as these figures were not significantly different to 

those for the nationally representative sample. However, the numbers needing help 

were significantly higher for those blind and partially sighted participants reporting 

on use of a DAB radio without voice output. 

6


Comparison of survey responses from blind and partially sighted consumers 

describing their use of DAB radios with and without voice output clearly 

demonstrates the high value of voice output for blind and partially sighted 

consumers. More blind and partially sighted users of digital radio with voice output 

report being able to use their radios independently than do blind and partially 

sighted users of digital radio without voice output. 

3.5 Barriers to better addressing the needs of blind and partially sighted 

consumers cited by industry interviewees centred largely on pragmatic and 

commercial considerations 

Industry representatives from the consumer DAB equipment supply chain cited a 

range of commercial barriers to addressing accessibility issues, including: difficulty 

evidencing return on investment (and thus building a compelling business case); 

concerns that building in accessibility may be off-putting to the core (mainstream) 

market; and that previous attempts at marketing accessible products have rarely 

been successful. 

Potential solutions suggested by interviewees included improved industry 

consultation with stakeholders, better access to research on user needs (where this 

report should fill the gap), actionable advice about how to improve accessibility 

(again a gap filled by this report), consumer education, and technical 

developments. 

4. Key Project Output: prioritised design checklist 

Through analysis of the project’s in-depth interviews and videos of participants using 

their own and unfamiliar digital radio equipment, an inventory of design considerations 

was developed within the project. This was developed into a prioritised checklist (see 

Chapter 9) as a design resource, and is also being used in a related activity 

commissioned by RNIB from Ricability, namely an evaluation of a range of DAB 

equipment on the market against the checklist. 

The checklist items were prioritised by considering factors such as the range of tasks 

that could be affected by addressing the design consideration, the frequency of tasks, 

and whether they were involved in basic use such as switching on, changing station, 

and changing volume. 

7


The full checklist is presented in Chapter 9. Highest priority items relate to best 

practice in: 

the provision of button feedback (including voice output) 

button design (including size, groupings and spacing) 

physical properties of the text display (including contrast and size) to make it more 

readable, and 

interface software design to minimise user intervention or to maximise simplicity of 

user interaction and to provide intuitive processes (eg for autotune, rescan, scroll, 

select, play recording) 

The research findings and design considerations were presented to industry at an 

interim juncture in the project. The project team received feedback that many of the 

checklist items are easily addressable by manufacturers in the product development 

process. 

5. Next steps to support the availability of more 

accessible digital radio equipment 

It is RNIB’s intention that this research report, including the digital radio interface 

design checklist developed within the project, in conjunction with the comparative 

evaluation of currently available DAB equipment against the checklist, will support the 

availability of digital radio equipment that better meets the needs of blind, partially 

sighted and sighted consumers. 

In further pursuit of this goal, RNIB is engaged with manufacturers, others in the 

supply chain, UK and European industry and statutory bodies. 

8

Contents 

1. Radio and blind and partially sighted people - background ______________15 

1.1. Radio listening is a valued leisure activity __________________________15 

1.2. Range of radio content consumed ________________________________16 

1.3. Range of stations listened to ____________________________________16 

1.4. Changing station with analogue radio equipment ____________________16 

1.5. Confidence with technology ____________________________________16 

1.6. Accessibility is an important consideration __________________________17 

1.7. Usability and accessibility issues __________________________________17 

1.8. Switchover to digital radio ______________________________________18 

1.9. Access to digital radio – an RNIB focus ____________________________18 

2. Aims and objectives: scope of work__________________________________19 

2.1. Research questions ____________________________________________19 

3. Methodology ____________________________________________________21 

3.1. Consumer research: in-depth interviews ____________________________21 

3.1.1. Rationale ____________________________________________21 

3.1.2. Sample ______________________________________________22 

3.1.3. Procedure ____________________________________________27 

3.2. Consumer research: Short Preference Survey ________________________28 

3.2.1. Rationale ____________________________________________28 

3.2.2. Sample for the Short Preference Survey ______________________28 

3.2.3. Procedure ____________________________________________31 

3.2.4. Methodology for assessing impact of voice output ____________34 

3.3. Industry research: semi-structured interviews________________________34 

3.3.1. Rationale ____________________________________________34 

3.3.2. Sample ______________________________________________34 

3.3.3. Procedure ____________________________________________35 

4. Structure of results chapters ______________________________________36 

9

Contents 

5. Setting the scene ________________________________________________38 

5.1. Personas ____________________________________________________38 

5.2. Independence, disability, and sense of exclusion (blind and partially sighted 

sample) ____________________________________________________43 

5.3. Value of radio (all samples)______________________________________44 

5.4. Ownership of radio (all samples)__________________________________46 

5.5. The meaning of ‘digital radio’ (all samples) ________________________49 

6. Core functional requirements ______________________________________50 

6.1. Summary____________________________________________________50 

6.2. Blind and partially sighted people: general use of DAB radios __________51 

6.2.1. Time spent listening to radio ______________________________51 

6.2.2. Reliance on radio for news ________________________________52 

6.2.3. Range of radio stations listened to__________________________52 

6.2.4. Expectations of DAB ____________________________________53 

6.2.5. Exploration of unfamiliar stations __________________________53 

6.3. Sighted controls and participants with dyslexia and manual dexterity 

impairment: general use of DAB radio ____________________________53 

6.3.1. Time spent listening to radio ______________________________53 

6.3.2. Reliance on radio for news ________________________________54 

6.3.3. Range of radio stations listened to__________________________54 

6.3.4. Expectations of DAB ____________________________________54 

6.3.5. Exploration of unfamiliar stations __________________________55 

6.4. Blind and partially sighted people: operating DAB radios ______________55 

6.4.1. More difficulties in operating equipment ____________________55 

6.4.2. Troubleshooting ________________________________________56 

6.4.3. Ease-of-use __________________________________________57 

6.4.4. Confidence with technology ______________________________57 

6.4.5. Variation in interface design for DAB radios __________________57 

6.4.6. Strategies for learning to use DAB radios ____________________58 

6.4.7. Simple strategies for everyday use of DAB radios ______________58 

6.4.8. Good feedback valued __________________________________59 

6.5. Sighted people: operating DAB radios ____________________________59 

6.5.1. Limited impact of dyslexia or dexterity impairment ____________59 

10

Contents 

6.5.2. Confidence with technology ______________________________60 

6.5.3. Feedback and buttons __________________________________60 

6.5.4. Context based similarities in blind, partially sighted and sighted 

users’ needs __________________________________________60 

6.6. Core functions of DAB radio use ________________________________61 

6.7. Equipment considerations that make core functionality accessible to blind and 

partially sighted consumers ____________________________________61 

6.7.1. Feedback from equipment ________________________________61 

6.7.2. Physical characteristics of buttons __________________________62 

6.7.3. Physical properties of the text display ______________________65 

6.7.4. Default software processes________________________________67 

6.7.5. Instruction manuals ____________________________________68 

6.7.6. Packaging, hardware and basic connections for set up __________70 

6.7.7. Interaction design ______________________________________71 

6.7.8. Remote control interfaces ________________________________72 

6.8. Applicability of design considerations for use by people with sight ______72 

6.8.1. Feedback ____________________________________________72 

6.8.2. Physical characteristics of buttons __________________________73 

6.8.3. Physical properties of the text display ______________________74 

6.8.4. Default software processes________________________________75 

6.8.5. Instruction manuals ____________________________________75 

6.8.6. Packaging, hardware and basic connections for set up __________75 

6.8.7. Interaction design ______________________________________76 

6.8.8. Remote control interfaces ________________________________77 

7. Advanced functions ______________________________________________78 

7.1. Summary____________________________________________________78 

7.2. Blind and partially sighted people’s interest in advanced functions of 

DAB radio __________________________________________________78 

7.2.1. Advanced features were not spontaneously associated with 

DAB radio ____________________________________________78 

7.2.2. Mixed reaction to advanced features of DAB radio ____________79 

7.3. Sighted people’s interest in advanced functions of DAB radio __________81 

7.3.1. Mixed reaction to advanced features of DAB radio ____________81 

7.3.2. Use of digital audio alternatives to advanced DAB functions ______82 

11

Contents 

7.4. Survey respondents’ prioritisation of advanced DAB features____________82 

7.5. Equipment considerations to make advanced functionality accessible to 

blind and partially sighted consumers______________________________85 

7.5.1. Features specified in relation to core functionality are important 

for making advanced functions accessible ____________________85 

7.5.2. Characteristics of the text display and voice output ____________85 

7.5.3. Concerns about voice output for advanced features ____________86 

7.5.4. Customisation of voice output for advanced features____________86 

7.5.5. Voice output as default __________________________________86 

7.5.6. Natural sounding voice output ____________________________86 

7.6. Equipment considerations for usability of advanced functionality for sighted 

consumers __________________________________________________87 

8. Consumer reaction to voice output __________________________________88 

8.1. Summary____________________________________________________88 

8.2. Overwhelmingly positive feedback ________________________________88 

8.3. Interest in adoption of DAB radios with voice output__________________89 

8.4. Voice output and blind and partially sighted respondents’ independent 

use of DAB radio ____________________________________________90 

8.4.1. Sighted respondents more likely to report independent DAB 

radio use______________________________________________90 

8.4.2. Voice output increases extent of independent use for blind and 

partially sighted respondents ______________________________91 

8.4.3. Voice output reduced extent of help needed by blind and partially 

sighted respondents ____________________________________92 

8.4.4. Voice output reduced reports of difficulties __________________93 

8.4.5. Voice output reduced reliance on others to help with difficulties __95 

8.4.6. Voice output increased blind and partially sighted respondents 

awareness of their radio’s functionality ______________________97 

8.4.7. Perceived limitations of voice output ________________________98 

8.5. Voice output and perceived ease of use ____________________________98 

8.5.1. Voice output is a major benefit to blind and partially sighted 

participants____________________________________________98 

8.5.2. Voice output DAB radios easy to use ________________________99 

8.5.3. Voice output DAB radio owners more likely to agree DAB is easier to 

use than analogue radio ________________________________100 

12

Contents 

9. Priorities for accessible and usable DAB radios for blind and partially sighted 

people ________________________________________________________102 

9.1. Summary __________________________________________________102 

9.2. The checklist and priority levels ________________________________103 

10. Insights from DAB industry interviews ______________________________110 

10.1. Research questions __________________________________________110 

10.2. Motivation for the industry interviews ____________________________110 

10.3. Main themes observed ________________________________________110 

10.3.1. Partnerships with representative groups and charities __________110 

10.3.2. Representative groups – a useful source of insight ____________111 

10.3.3. No direct research on needs of blind and partially sighted people from 

digital radio __________________________________________111 

10.3.4. Concerns about return on investment ______________________111 

10.4. Solutions discussed by industry interviewees ______________________112 

10.4.1. Better interfaces with representative groups and charities ______112 

10.4.2. Current limited research on the needs of blind and partially 

sighted people ________________________________________112 

10.4.3. Improved confidence that a market exists __________________113 

10.4.4. Consumer education and information ______________________113 

10.4.5. Technical developments over time cited as most probable 

solutions ____________________________________________114 

10.4.6. Levers to speed up change: international standards and 

procurement __________________________________________114 

10.4.7. Lukewarm reactions to any new legislation or regulation ________114 

11. Conclusions ____________________________________________________115 

11.1. Blind and partially sighted users are more reliant on radio than are 

sighted users________________________________________________115 

11.2. Simple design considerations could improve access __________________115 

11.3. Current limited interest in, and concerns about, advanced functions ____115 

11.4. Industry is engaging with evidence-based prioritisation of design 

considerations ______________________________________________115 

11.5. Many of the design considerations are relatively easily addressed ______116 

11.6. Addressing the needs of people with sight problems has benefits for sighted 

consumers__________________________________________________116 

13

Contents 

11.7. Voice output enables blind and partially sighted consumers to use digital 

radio equipment almost as independently as sighted consumers ________116 

11.8. Industry cites pragmatic and commercial barriers __________________117 

11.9. Industry would benefit from better availability of research insight, 

interaction with stakeholders and consumer awareness ______________117 

11.10. RNIB is supporting better consumer information ____________________117 

11.11. RNIB is supporting the availability of more accessible digital radio 

equipment, in this and future work ______________________________118 

12. Acknowledgements ______________________________________________119 

13. Bibliography____________________________________________________120 

14. Glossary of terms________________________________________________121 

Appendix A: Short Preference Survey on DAB use 

______________________122 

Appendix B: Data tables ____________________________________________136 

14

1. Radio and blind and partially sighted 

people – background 

This document reports primary independent research conducted by i2 media research 

limited (i2) and commissioned by RNIB, to identify what makes digital radio equipment 

accessible and ensures it meets the needs of blind and partially sighted consumers. 

Whilst the research reported here focuses on DAB radio equipment, it is important to 

note that basic user actions are broadly similar for other types of stand-alone digital 

radio receiver equipment. These actions include switching the device on and off, 

selecting station, and changing volume. Consequently, the equipment needs identified 

through the current research apply to interface design for other stand-alone equipment 

that can receive multi-channel digital radio. For example stand-alone internet radios 

and radios that belong to the wider digital radio standards family (such as DAB+), but 

excluding PC and digital TV interfaces. 

Before starting the primary research, a review was conducted of previous relevant 

research. Key findings from the review are presented below. 

1.1. Radio listening is a valued leisure activity 

Previous research has shown that listening to radio is a highly valued pastime of 

blind and partially sighted people (Douglas, Corcoran and Pavey, 2006; RNIB DAB 

Development Report, 2000; Bruce, McKennell and Walker, 1991). Douglas et al. (2006) 

reported that over 90 per cent of blind and partially sighted participants in their 

Network 1000 research on the opinions and circumstances of visually impaired people 

in Britain regularly listened to the radio and music. Almost half of these participants 

mentioned without prompting that they regularly listen to radio, the remainder 

mentioned radio on prompting. In the same study a high but slightly lower percentage 

of participants reported regularly watching television (87 per cent). As the Network 

1000 research reported, for participants with sight problems the “most popular 

at-home leisure activity was listening to the radio or to music (91 per cent), 

followed by listening to/watching television or videos/DVDs (87 per cent), and 

reading/listening to Talking Books (77 per cent)”. This finding was similar across the 

wide age range sampled in the Network 1000 study, and the popularity of radio was 

not related to degree of sight loss. 

In their study, Bruce, McKennell and Walker (1991) reported that over 80 per cent of 

blind and partially sighted people own and listen to radio, and that a further 10 per 

cent own a radio but do not listen to it. In this study, they observed an age trend, in 

15

1. Radio and bind and partially sighted people – background 

that older participants (aged 75+) were more likely than younger participants to report 

not owning or listening to the radio. 

1.2. Range of radio content consumed 

Though their study was conducted before the advent of digital radio before there was 

the additional choice offered by digital radio, Bruce et al. (1991) reported that blind 

and partially sighted people listen to a broad range of content. Participants were asked 

which one radio station they listened to most out of BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, local radio 

(BBC and commercial), local radio for blind people, and other. Across all participants, 

local radio, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 were the three most often selected options. 

Preferences were broadly similar across all age groups, though there was a tendency for 

local radio to be preferred by younger participants. 

1.3. Range of stations listened to 

Bruce et al’s (1991) study also asked participants which of the radio stations from the 

above list they ever listened to. Overall, 50 per cent reported sometimes listening to 

local radio, 43 per cent to BBC Radio 2, 36 per cent to BBC Radio 4, and 15 per cent 

to both BBC Radio 1 and Radio 3. This pattern of results reflects the older age profile 

of blind and partially sighted people relative to that of the general UK population. 

Given that the number of stations available to listeners has increased substantially 

since their study, particularly with the advent of digital radio broadcasting, the findings 

of Bruce et al (1991) that blind and partially sighted people tend to listen to more 

than one radio station is particularly relevant background to the current research. 

1.4. Changing station with analogue radio equipment 

The study by Bruce et al (1991) explored how blind and partially sighted people 

reported that they change station to listen to a different radio station, using analogue 

radio equipment. They reported that 77 per cent of participants aged under 60 years 

and 62 per cent of those aged 75 years and above, changed station themselves. 

1.5. Confidence with technology 

For older participants, the extent of residual vision was observed to have an impact on 

whether they reported being able to change station themselves. The same effect was 

not observed in relation to younger participants. Whilst Bruce et al. (1991) did not 

make this explicit, this finding suggests that participants’ confidence in using their 

16


analogue radio equipment was an important consideration in understanding their 

usage behaviours. This is consistent with more recent research the i2 media research 

team has conducted on consumer use of domestic media technologies, including 

digital television and computers (Ofcom, March 2006). In any event, the findings from 

Bruce et al. (1991), and the Network 1000 research (Douglas et al. 2006) demonstrate 

the importance of considering the ease of use and accessibility to blind and partially 

sighted people of radio equipment. 

1.6. Accessibility is an important consideration 

Digital radio provides consumers with a greater choice of radio content than analogue 

radio. A choice that is appreciated by many, as evidenced by recent data from Ofcom 

(Ofcom, 2008b) showing a continuous growth in take up of DAB radio equipment by 

UK consumers. Further take up is likely to be supported by new feature releases in 

consumer digital radio equipment. New equipment is able to provide listeners with a 

range of new features and functions, including the possibility of pausing and recording 

live digital radio broadcasts, iPod docking, and integration with internet radio (via inhome 

wireless broadband internet, Wi-Fi). Ongoing research by the Digital Radio 

Development Bureau (2007) indicates interest in various of these functions amongst 

current and potential digital radio listeners. 

The development of interfaces for other digital media equipment, such as digital 

television receivers, demonstrates that they, relative to their analogue equivalents, 

have more complex interfaces enabling users to use the increased functions for using 

digital media services. Examples with digital radio equipment include menus and 

electronic programme guides presented visually. 

1.7. Usability and accessibility issues 

Concurrent with this project, Ofcom conducted a research study on the experiences of 

blind and partially sighted people with a range of communications services (Ofcom, 

July 2008). With regard to radio, the study reported that there were some usability or 

accessibility features that were particularly appreciated by blind and partially sighted 

people. The report noted that blind and partially sighted people have specific 

strategies to change station such as by memory, or touch or waiting until a station 

name announcement. The Ofcom research also reported that people with more severe 

sight loss most appreciated digital radio equipment that reads out the channel name. 

On the whole, navigation of stations using a remote control (accessing digital radio via 

digital television set top boxes) was reported by participants as the easiest way of 

selecting what to listen to. As its scope covered blind and partially sighted people’s 

17


experiences of several communications services, the depth of focus the Ofcom study 

was able to give to radio use was more limited than that afforded by the current 

project. 

1.8. Switchover to digital radio 

If a switchover to digital radio takes place at any stage, like the digital television 

switchover process, digital radio would be the only way to receive the major public 

service and commercial radio channels. This is a factor accentuating the importance of 

supporting access for blind and partially sighted people to digital radio equipment. 

1.9. Access to digital radio – an RNIB focus 

Listening to the radio is important to blind and partially sighted people and so 

accessibility and usability of consumer digital radio equipment is of high importance 

(eg Douglas et al., 2006). A concern of RNIB is that a valued existing pastime 

(listening to the radio) and the benefits of new and emerging features and functions 

should be as accessible to blind and partially sighted consumers, as they are to sighted 

consumers. 

In this context, the current research was commissioned by RNIB to identify equipment 

design considerations to support accessibility to digital radio by blind and partially 

sighted consumers. 

The aims and objectives of the current research, and the research questions addressed 

in it are described in Chapter 2. 

The research methods used (in home in depth interviews and telephone interviews with 

blind, partially sighted and sighted consumers, and semi-structured interviews with 

representatives from the consumer digital radio equipment supply chain) and the 

research participants sampled are described in detail in Chapter 3. 

Chapters 4 to 10 present the results of both the consumer research activities, and the 

industry interviews, including the full consumer digital radio equipment design 

consideration checklist (in Chapter 9). 

The report conclusions are presented in Chapter 11, and finally, the Appendices include 

the questionnaire used for the project’s Short Preference Survey, and table format 

presentations of all charted data. 

18

2. Aims and objectives: scope of work 

In January 2008, RNIB commissioned detailed primary user and industry research into 

DAB digital radio. The project was initiated in recognition that the consumer digital 

radio equipment market is fast developing and that monitoring the accessibility of 

digital radio products currently used by blind and partially sighted people might help 

guide design for easier to use products in the future. 

The key objective of the research project was to gain an in-depth understanding of the 

needs of blind and partially sighted people for consumer digital radio equipment, and 

to establish how these needs differ from those of sighted radio listeners. An 

understanding of these needs is a precursor to improving the accessibility and usability 

of consumer digital radio equipment. A second objective of the research was to 

understand the extent to which the consumer electronics industry is able and likely to 

meet these needs. 

The scope of this research is limited to considerations relating to table top and 

portable digital radio equipment. However, it has wider relevance because basic user 

actions are by definition broadly similar for different types of standalone digital radio 

receiver equipment. These actions include switching the device on and off, selecting 

station and changing volume. For this reason, the equipment needs identified through 

the current research are applicable to interface design for other stand-alone equipment 

that can receive multi-channel digital radio, such as stand-alone internet radios and 

radios that belong to the wider digital radio standards family (such as DAB+), but 

excluding PC and digital TV interfaces for listening to digital radio. 

2.1. Research questions 

To address the key objective, a series of research questions were established. 

These were as follows: 

1. What are the core functional requirements from consumer digital radio equipment 

for blind and partially sighted people, and how do these compare with those of the 

control group? 

2. What are the design considerations needed to make the more advanced functions of 

current and emerging consumer digital radio equipment accessible to blind and 

partially sighted people? How do these compare with those of the control group? 

3. What are the accessibility and usability priorities for accessible and easy to use 

consumer digital radio equipment for blind and partially sighted people? How do 

these compare with those of the control group? 

19

2. Aims and objectives: scope of work 

And in relation to the DAB equipment supply chain: 

4. To what extent and how are accessibility considerations built into the product design 

and development processes by manufacturers of consumer digital radio equipment? 

5. In this industry context, how feasible is it for manufacturers to develop consumer 

digital radio equipment that is accessible to blind and partially sighted people, and 

what constraints, if any, are cited that limit feasibility? 

The scope of the first research question about the core functional requirements for 

blind and partially sighted people included: the range of current usage scenarios with 

digital radio (ie what people generally want to do with digital radio; techniques used to 

operate consumer digital radio equipment; and how easy to use and accessible these 

functions are with current equipment). Blind, partially sighted and sighted participants’ 

experiences are compared to understand the extent to which there is any evidence that 

shows that poor usability of DAB radios can be a barrier. 

Areas considered in the scope of research questions 2 and 3 , included: ease of tuning, 

legibility of any screen menus and information, dependence on screen usage, physical 

manipulation of controls, visibility of labelling, ease of understanding the logic of 

controls and settings, and any other areas identified in the primary research conducted 

with DAB users. Particular design features relevant to tasks that are considered to be 

core or frequently used ‘basic functions’, informed a list of prioritised design features. 

The scope of research questions 4 and 5 about the industry includes current practices 

in product development. This includes industry standards for product design, and the 

extent to which any user testing for accessible or usable design is conducted. Research 

considerations included the following: technical feasibility; investment costs required 

(research and development, marketing); potential return on investment including the 

extent to which solutions could be applied beyond the UK market. 

The extent to which good practice in relation to design for accessibility conducted in 

other industries such as digital TV, fixed and mobile telephony is transferable to the 

research and development and product development activities of DAB manufacturers 

was also considered. 

In the next chapter, the methods used to address these research questions are 

described. 

20

3. Methodology 


To understand the experiences of, and requirements from DAB radio equipment for 

blind and partially sighted users’, a multi-method, multi-perspective approach was 

adopted, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Industry interviews were 

conducted to understand perceived incentives, hurdles and barriers to industry 

addressing these consumer needs. 

There were two target samples for the research: DAB consumers and industry. 

The methods used for these groups were as follows: 

For the consumer research: 

In-depth interviews 

Structured Short Preference (telephone) Survey. 

For the industry research: 

Semi-structured interviews. 

3.1. Consumer research: in-depth interviews 

3.1.1. Rationale 

Thirty-eight in home, in depth interviews were conducted with DAB radio users to 

identify any difficulties blind, partially sighted and sighted people experience in 

operating DAB radio. This method was selected to inform research questions 1-3 

(see Section 2.1). 

In home, indepth interviews were selected to support the collection of rich data. 

The rationales for selecting this method were that: 

(a) Participants are interviewed in familiar and comfortable contexts, less daunting 

than more formal contexts, which should put participants at ease with discussing the 

research topics. 

(b) The researcher can easily compare (through careful observation) what participants 

say they do with their radio with how they demonstrate they use it (catering for any 

bias in self reporting). 

(c) The semi-structured questioning approach allows considerable flexibility in the 

discussion allowing the researcher to probe further when required and identify areas 

that may have been overlooked in the discussion guide. 

21


The results of this method informed the development of a prioritised checklist that 

identifies design considerations for DAB radio to increase its accessibility to blind and 

partially sighted users (see Chapter 9). 

3.1.2. Sample 

In-depth interviews were conducted with four groups of participants. 

People who are blind or partially sighted (‘BPS’: n=24) 

People with dyslexia (‘dyslexia’: n=3) 

People with manual dexterity problems (‘dexterity’: n=3) 

People who report none of the above (‘sighted controls’; n=8) 

The research participants with dyslexia and manual dexterity problems and the sighted 

controls were recruited to compare their DAB radio experiences with those of the blind 

and partially sighted participants. The dyslexia and manual dexterity samples were 

small (n=3) and were not a fully representative sample (eg across age) and conclusions 

based on this sample size should be treated with caution. Nevertheless they were 

included to give the research the opportunity to identify major differences or 

similarities with the blind and partially sighted sample. For instance, aspects of the 

design (eg scrolling text) may cause similar accessibility issues for people with dyslexia. 

Similarly, button size, shape, spacing and press mechanism may affect usability for 

people with manual dexterity problems as well as for blind and partially sighted people. 

Furthermore, DAB radio design features that may cause accessibility difficulties for 

blind and partially sighted people might also affect usability in a sighted control 

sample, limiting their use of DAB radio functions. 

To ensure that a variety of DAB radio use experiences were identified a range of blind 

and partially sighted participants with different levels of sight loss were recruited. 

These included participants with congenital and with acquired sight loss. All 

participants from each sub-sample were recruited to meet different age band targets 

(see Table 3.1). 

22


Table 3.1 DAB radio consumer research sampling 

Age 

Sub-sample 18-30 years 31-64 years 65-74 years 75+ years 

Blind/partially sighted: mild 2 2 2 2 

Blind/partially sighted: 

moderate 

2 2 2 2 

Blind/partially sighted: 

severe 

Dyslexia 2 1 

2 2 2 2 

Dexterity 1 2 

Sighted controls 2 2 2 2 

3.1.2.1. Blind or partially sighted participants 

Twenty-four people (13 males, 11 females) who are blind or partially sighted were 

interviewed. Six were aged 18-30 years (4 males, 2 females), six were aged 

31-64 years (3 males, 3 females), six were aged 65-74 years (2 males, 4 females) and 

six were aged 75 years or older (2 females, 4 males). The sample was intentionally 

skewed towards older people to be broadly representative of the blind and partially 

sighted population, consistent with the age profile reported in the Network 1000 

report (Douglas, Corcoran, and Pavey, 2006) report (see section 3.2.2). Some of those 

in the oldest age brackets also reported being affected, to varying degrees, by 

dexterity and hearing problems. 

Sight loss and impact on everyday life 

In the blind and partially sighted sample, participants’ level of sight loss was 

categorised as mild, moderate or severe. This categorisation was as used in the 

Network 1000 research report (Douglas, Corcoran and Pavey, 2006). Prospective 

participants were asked to self-report how much, if any, vision they had using the 

same question presented by Douglas, Corcoran and Pavey (2006). The question is 

included in Appendix A of this report (question 25 of the project’s Short Preference 

Survey). Visual acuity was not tested during the course of this study. Information on 

their eye condition was provided by some participants – they were not routinely asked 

for this information, but were prompted to talk about their sight loss and, importantly, 

the impact on their lives. The participants had a wide range of eye conditions; those 

that were reported included macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, coloboma, 

23


glaucoma, congenital cataracts, haemorrhage, and optic nerve hyperplasia. Some had 

no light perception whilst others had partial sight loss, and others had sight in only 

one eye. Those with some vision used high power magnifiers to aid their poor vision as 

well as a variety of assistive technologies to render day-to-day activities, technology 

and media accessible to them. 

“My vision is like a painting of Jack Vettriano” [meaning that she can see the 

general shapes of people, but not the details of their faces - almost like a 

silhouette.] [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“I can see your shape, your hair length, the colour of your dress but not the style of 

it or the details of your face. I use my vision as much as I possibly can.” [blind and 

partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“I can see the outline of people; I see fuzzy, blur. I can see colours.” 

[blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

“I can see you but I can’t see your face. With my magnifier machine I can read, but 

just some words or the newspaper’s headline.” 


Occupational backgrounds 

Consistent with the Network 1000 report (Douglas, Corcoran & Pavey, 2006), the blind 

and partially sighted participants in the current study came from a wide range of 

occupational backgrounds. Occupations, both current and pre-retirement included civil 

servant, radio producer, nurse, recruitment consultant, florist, barman, factory worker, 

solicitor and judge, and physiotherapist. Some were studying for degrees. Given the 

recruitment skew towards participants aged between 65 and 74 years, and aged 75 

years and older, the current study’s qualitative sample was broadly consistent with 

Network 1000 figures on working status. It reported that 80 per cent of blind and 

partially sighted people described themselves as retired from paid work. Of the 

20 per cent of blind and partially sighted participants who had not yet retired, less 

than 35 per cent reported their employment status as employed (including those in 

paid employment, those reporting they were students, and those reporting they were 

self employed). 

Interests 

Interests were wide and diverse and included crafts, technology, walking, dancing, 

cookery, gardening, watching and/or playing sports (eg swimming or football), 

socialising, games/puzzles (eg crosswords, bridge or chess), music (eg playing piano, 

church bell ringing or attending concerts), theatre, reading books. Radio was enjoyed 

by all, as the participants were recruited as DAB radio users. Some participants were 

24


volunteering for their local church or for organisations aimed at supporting people with 

disabilities. As reported in Chapter 1, radio is generally a favoured pastime for blind 

and partially sighted people, so the sample’s interest in radio is representative. 

Living situations and whether help is available 

A range of living situations were sampled: some participants were married with children 

or lived just with their partner; others were living alone or in multi-share 

accommodation (students, supported housing for older people). 

3.1.2.2. Participants with dyslexia 

Three people with dyslexia were interviewed to explore any possible overlaps in 

accessibility/usability issues in DAB radio design. The participants with dyslexia were 

aged 24, 25 and 56 years. 

Dyslexia and impact on everyday life 

There was little evidence of a sense of exclusion due to dyslexia, particularly for the 

younger participants who felt that people were generally better informed about it 

today. The main impacts that they cited of dyslexia on their lives were in their 

schooling and in learning how to use new technologies. 

“..[dyslexia] is annoying and frustrating sometimes especially in terms of writing. 

[…] I don’t feel really excluded from things in society. Maybe I’d just like people 

to know more about dyslexia.” [Dyslexia, male, 18-30 years] 

“It was hard in school. Now it is better but sometimes I still find it difficult using 

the computer or reading or writing quickly. I don’t feel limited. People probably 

know about dyslexia more now than when I was 14.” [Dyslexia, male, 18-30 years] 

“I can’t read quickly; I need to read every word well - I can’t skim. I have to learn 

the shape of the words. I can’t understand grammar. I think my sense of exclusion 

is often linked to technology. It is difficult for me learning to use something 

without having someone to show me what to do. I need to visualise and 

experience.” [Dyslexia, female, 31-64 years] 


Their occupations were dancer, health care assistant and a civil servant working in 

education. 

Interests 

Interests included walking, attending galleries, socialising, technology, gardening, 

music (playing an instrument and listening to), watching films, reading and listening 

to radio. 

25



One lived at home with his parents, another was a single parent, and the other lived in 

a shared household. 

3.1.2.3. Participants with manual dexterity impairment 

Three people with manual dexterity impairment were interviewed to explore any 

possible overlaps in accessibility/usability issues in DAB radio design. All three people 

suffered with arthritis and were aged between 65 and 83 years. 

Manual dexterity and impact on everyday life 

These participants had arthritis that was not just limited to the hands. This resulted in 

additional impairment in other areas of their life such as general mobility. Pain was 

commonly experienced and they had ‘good’ and ‘bad’ days with this. None felt 

excluded from society because of their impairment. Impacts were mostly noted in 

handling/grabbing heavy objects (eg cooking pans) and opening bottles and jars. 

Some people used specially designed products, such as jar openers. 

“During the last 6 years I have had to change part of my lifestyle. I don’t cook 

anymore because it’s difficult to grab things for me. The pain is not the same every 

day; sometimes it is better than others.” [Dexterity, female, 75+ years] 

“I have suffered from arthritis for many years but now it is getting worse. I have it 

in my hands, back and legs. I can do most of my day-to-day work. Opening bottles 

or jars is difficult but I have tools that help me. I also broke my shoulder a few 

years ago. I don’t consider myself disabled.” [Dexterity, female, 75+ years] 

“I don’t go out as much as I used to. I have had arthritis for six to seven years. 

Sometimes it’s really painful, other times it’s fine. I consider myself disabled and I 

am registered disabled as well. I don’t feel excluded at all.” [Dexterity, female, 60- 

74 years] 


All three were over 65 and retired. 

Interests 

Interests included listening to the radio, cooking, socialising, watching TV, watching 

bowls and travelling. 


Two of the three participants were living alone, although one of these had relatives 

living close by who provided assistance when needed. The third participant with 

manual dexterity impairment was living with her partner. 

26


Participants with no reported sight loss, dyslexia, or manual dexterity impairment 

(‘sighted controls’). 

3.1.2.4. Participants with no reported sight loss, dyslexia or manual 

dexterity impairment (sighted controls) 


The eight controls came from a range of backgrounds. Occupations included IT worker, 

teacher, receptionist, administrator and counsellor. Two were retired, and one was 

unemployed. One retired woman did voluntary work. 

Interests 

Interests included gardening, decorating, socialising, family activities, technology (eg 

computer/internet), keeping fit, cinema and film, TV, listening to the radio, shopping, 

writing stories, cooking, crafts (eg painting), and games (eg board and computer). 


A range of living situations was sampled (living alone, living with parents, and living 

with partner. Some had children who had left home. 

3.1.3. Procedure 

Participants were recruited across the UK by a range of methods including adverts in 

RNIB publications and press releases, other charities for blind people, partially sighted 

and older people, snowballing via existing participants, and through recruitment 

agencies. The interviewees lived in central and Greater London, Berkshire, 

Hertfordshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, East and West Midlands and Surrey. 

Each interviewee gave informed consent to take part and to be audio and video 

recorded for transcription purposes. The interview lasted between 45 minutes and 150 

minutes depending on how engaged participants were with the topic. The majority 

lasted approximately 90 minutes. 

The interview followed a semi-structured discussion guide that focused on the 

following areas: 

life situation 

hobbies, things interviewees like doing 

value of radio (ie frequency of use, preferences) 

radio equipment in household 

perceptions and expectations of DAB radio 

27


overview of uses of their own DAB radio 

adopting and using their own DAB radio 

demonstration of how interviewees use their DAB radios 

trying an unfamiliar DAB radio and expressing their thoughts (eg likes, dislikes, 

what’s easy and intuitive and what’s not) whilst using it. 

They used either: 

low-cost DAB radio ( around £25) 

DAB radio with voice output (around £100) 

DAB radio with advanced functions (around £200). 

At the end of the interview, participants were fully debriefed about the research 

objectives and each person was paid £30 for their time. 

The DAB radio consumer in-depth interview data (interview transcriptions and 

observations of DAB radio use noted by the interviewers) were used to generate a 

checklist for recommended features of DAB radio equipment. They also informed the 

development of a second phase in the consumer research - the Short Preference 

Survey (see below). 

3.2. Consumer research: Short Preference Survey 


In addition to revealing key usability and accessibility considerations for digital radio 

equipment design, the in-depth interviews identified the typical range of radio 

functions that participants used and understood, and those which were not used or 

understood. These insights informed the development of a 27-item telephone survey 

(the ‘Short Preference Survey’). Whilst the in-depth interviews provided rich contextual 

information about digital radio use, the aim of the Short Preference Survey was to 

collect quantitative data. A key focus was to understand the proportions of sighted 

and blind and partially sighted samples who could use their radios independently. 

3.2.2. Sample for the Short Preference Survey 

The target was to have a nationally representative sample of DAB radio users and a 

sample of 100 blind and partially sighted people, matched as closely as possible to the 

age profile of the nationally representative sample of DAB radio users. 

28


Data from the nationally representative sample was collected via the market research 

agency GfK NOP’s Telephone Omnibus. The Omnibus is a nationally representative 

telephone survey, conducted weekly with a target of 1,000 people per week to which 

additional sections or questions can be added to explore specific topics. The survey 

was conducted over the weekend of 9-11 May 2008. A total of 225 people from the 

national survey had DAB radio and were therefore asked the Short Preference Survey 

questions. Fifty-four per cent of the 225 DAB owners was male. 

As can be seen in Figure 3.1 (also see Results table [AB3.1] in Appendix B), and 

consistent with recent Digital Radio Development Bureau data (2007), DAB owners 

tend to be over-represented in the middle age groups (31-64 years old), and underrepresented 

in older age groups. 

Table 3.1 Comparison of the age distribution of the research sub-samples with 

the Network 1000 nationally representative data for the blind and partially 

sighted population 

50% 

45% 

40% 

35% 

30% 

25% 

20% 

15% 

10% 

5% 

0% 

18–29 30–49 50–64 65+ 

age group (years) 

nationally representative (all) (n=999) 

nationally representative DAB (n=225) 

blind and partially sighted DAB (n=100) 

Network 1000 (comparison: n=100) 

29


Data collection for the Short Preference Survey with the blind and partially sighted 

sample took place between 13 June and 7 August 2008. In contrast to the nationally 

representative sample which was recruited with cold calling, all participants for the 

blind and partially sighted sample had volunteered to participate in response to adverts 

and via word of mouth. The adverts specified that only people using DAB radios should 

respond. Efforts were made in recruitment of the DAB sample to broadly match the 

nationally representative DAB sample in terms of age. However, as shown by the 

Network 1000 data (Douglas et al. (2006)) shown in Figure 3.1 above (also see Results 

table [AB3.1] in Appendix B), the age profile of blind and partially sighted people in 

the UK is very heavily skewed towards older age. To make sure the survey captured 

meaningful data about the experiences of DAB from blind and partially sighted people, 

efforts were also made to recruit a slightly older sample of blind and partially sighted 

DAB users. It is important to note that whilst older blind and partially sighted people 

are therefore somewhat under-represented in the survey, this is likely to be a fairly 

accurate estimate of the age profile of blind and partially sighted DAB listeners - 

showing the same tail off in DAB ownership for older participants as is apparent in the 

sighted nationally representative sample. 

Respondents in the blind and partially sighted sample were recruited via similar 

methods as participants for the in depth interviews. Sixty-nine per cent of the blind 

and partially sighted sample were male. Whilst this skew differs from the general 

population profile of blind and partially sighted people, it is consistent with the male 

skew in DAB ownership in the nationally representative sample. It is also possible that 

male DAB owners were more likely than female DAB owners to volunteer to participate 

in a survey on DAB. Reasons for this may include: that more males were invited to 

participate (eg recruitment methods targeted more men than women), or that males 

are more confident than females in talking about media technology. 

The age profile of the two samples is shown in Table 3.2 right. 

30


Table 3.2. Short Preference Survey: age profile of the samples of DAB owners 

(unweighted) 

Age band 

Nationally representative 

sample (n=225) 

Blind and partially 

sighted sample (n=100) 

18-24 years 12% 2% 

25-34 years 14.2% 10% 

35-44 years 18.2% 18% 

45-54 years 21.8% 25% 

55-64 years 19.6% 24% 

65-74 years 9.8% 11% 

75-84 years 4.0% 5% 

85+ years 0.4% 5% 

TOTAL 100% 100% 


The Short Preference Survey asked respondents to focus on one DAB radio that they 

used the most, and probed their first experiences of having used that DAB radio and 

then their subsequent day to day across a range of different functions (See Appendix A 

for the full survey). 

They were asked if they needed any advice, help or support from any other person 

with a range of potential actions/functions that they have explored using their radio. 

For ease of analysis, there were three response options: 

1. yes, needed help from someone 

2. no, could do independently 

3. don’t know/not applicable - didn’t use/radio doesn’t offer that function. 

31


There were 19 tasks specified, for which respondents were asked to report on their 

experience of first-time use of the DAB radio they used the most: 

a. getting the radio out of its packaging 

b. using the operating instructions that came with it 

c. plugging the radio in 

d. inserting batteries 

e. switching the radio on/off 

f. tuning the radio in (scanning for channels) 

g. setting/storing presets 

h. accessing information on the text display 

i. knowing which station they were listening to 

j. changing station 

k. tuning to a specific station (eg BBC Radio 4) 

l. changing volume 

m. using a remote control to control your digital radio 

n. finding out what programmes were going to be on later that evening or that week, 

using the radio to do this 

o. finding out what the time was using the radio 

p. pausing live radio 

q. forwarding and/or rewinding back to live radio 

r. recording a radio programme 

s. playing back a recorded programme 

There were 18 tasks for which the respondents were asked to report on their 

experience of subsequent use of this same digital radio, which were very similar to the 

tasks specified above with some changes: 

a. using the operating instructions 

b. plugging the radio in 

c. changing batteries 

32


d. switching the radio on/off 

e. retuning the radio (re-scanning to find new stations) 

f. updating/re-setting/re-storing presets 

g. accessing information on the text displays 

h. knowing which station they are listening to 

i. changing station 

j. tuning to a specific station (eg BBC Radio 4) 

k. changing volume 

l. using a remote control to control your digital radio 

m. finding out what programmes were going to be on later that evening or that week, 

using the radio to do this 

n. finding out what the time was using the radio 

o. pausing live radio 

p. forwarding and/or rewinding back to live radio 

q. recording a radio programme 

r. playing back a recorded programme 

The survey also probed what features participants thought their radio supported and 

asked participants to nominate up to five features that they thought were most useful 

to have on a DAB radio. They were asked about any difficulties they experienced using 

their DAB radio, how they remedied problems and to what extent they felt the DAB 

radio they were assessing for the survey was easy to use. 

Other more general questions asked participants about their DAB radio listening 

patterns and favourite station genres and stations. Finally, participants were asked a 

series of demographic questions, and the blind and partially sighted respondents were 

asked about their level of vision. 

The survey took 15 - 45 minutes to complete with each person. Most surveys took 

20.–25 minutes. There was no financial incentive to take part. 

33


3.2.4. Methodology for assessing impact of voice output 

A subset of the items relating to ‘basic use’ are explored separately to full, complete 

use (all items). Items 1. to 12. from the ‘first time use’ list were considered related to 

basic, core use. Items 1 to 11 from the ‘subsequent use’ list were considered related to 

basic, core use. 

The data were explored in different ways: 

Proportion of sample reporting ‘yes, needed help’ for any of the ‘basic’ tasks (a 

crude index of basic tasks relate to items 1 to 12 for first time use, and 20 to 38 for 

subsequent use). 

Proportion of sample reporting ‘yes, needed help’ to any of the ‘first use’ tasks (12 

items. 

Proportion of sample reporting ‘yes, needed help’ to any of the ‘subsequent use’ 

tasks (11 items) 

Proportion of sample reporting ‘yes, needed help’ for any of the tasks 

Proportion of sample reporting ‘yes, needed help’ to any of the ‘first time use’ tasks 

(19 items) 

Proportion of sample reporting ‘yes, needed help’ to any of the ‘subsequent use’ 

tasks (18 items) 

Average number of tasks/items for which the samples needed help from someone 

else (for all tasks and basic tasks as defined above) 

3.3. Industry research: semi-structured interviews 


The industry research was conducted to address research questions 4 and 5, about how 

and whether accessibility features in product design and what barriers industry cites for 

developing accessible digital radio equipment. 

3.3.2. Sample 

Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior staff members (eg Chief 

Executives, Chief Operating Officers, Directors/Senior Management) across different 

parts of the consumer digital radio equipment supply chain. Five manufacturers and 

one component supplier participated. Some retailers were also invited to participate, 

34


though none accepted the invitation. The interviews were conducted face-to-face 

where possible (n=4), or via telephone (n=2) as requested by participants. 


Industry participants were recruited via personalised email requests, with assistance 

from Intellect [The UK representative trade body for the consumer electronics industry; 

see http://www.intellectuk.org ]. An outline of the discussion guide was sent to all 

industry participants prior to their formal participation. Where possible, and where 

permission was granted to do so, industry interviews were recorded for transcription 

purposes. 

Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with these volunteers from the DAB 

industry supply chain. The interviews lasted between 50 minutes and 120 minutes with 

an average interview time of approximately 75 minutes. The following scope areas were 

covered during the discussions: 

company background and culture 

company understanding of its customers 

what data capture or research is conducted within the company 

what processes exist for product development, and where accessibility considerations 

fit in (if at all) 

organisational structure, and whether there is any user testing conducted within the 

organisation 

company understanding of usability and accessibility of DAB radio for blind and 

partially sighted consumers 

perceived hurdles, barriers, solutions, incentives to better addressing the needs of 

blind and partially sighted consumers. 

All participants were assured that their participation and responses would be treated 

completely confidentially and anonymously unless they requested otherwise. Hence, 

this report does not mention company names nor does it provide any other information 

that might indirectly disclose the identities of these participants or their companies. 

35

4. Structure of results chapters 

The results from all of the methods deployed in this research project are split over six 

chapters. These are structured by the research questions outlined in Chapter 2, the 

Aims and Objectives, with an additional chapter on voice output DAB radio. Chapters 

that present background and contextual findings precede the results addressing the 

more focused research questions: 

Setting the scene (see Chapter 5) 

This chapter is divided into sections that contextualise the research findings. First, to 

summarise the breadth of DAB radio experiences observed across the samples, a series 

of five personas are presented. Each persona represents an amalgamation of insights 

obtained across the samples and illustrates broadly different types of radio user. Next, 

to provide further context to the results with particular regard to the key user group - 

blind and partially sighted DAB radio users - findings relating to blind and partially 

sighted participants’ views on independence, disability, and sense of exclusion are 

presented. This is followed by background results across all samples on value and 

ownership of radio and participants’ views on what radio means to them. 

Core functional requirements (see Chapter 6) 

This chapter addresses results to the first research question as posed in the title to 

Chapter 6. It includes sections on how blind and partially sighted participants used 

their radio and what they did with it and what they expected from it. Also the reported 

or observed techniques they have for using DAB radios more effectively - how they 

operate the radios (eg strategies they have developed to capitalise on all the cues and 

prompts provided by DAB radio itself). The aim was to establish the core functional 

requirements based on participants’ actual DAB radio use experiences. For both 

sections, the results for the additional samples - people with dyslexia, manual dexterity 

impairment and sighted controls - are compared to those of the blind and partially 

sighted participants. In the concluding section to this chapter, the equipment 

considerations for making the core functionality of DAB radios easy to use and 

accessible for blind and partially sighted consumers are addressed. This includes a 

discussion on design features which help and hinder use of DAB radio. 

36

4. Structure of results chapters 

Advanced functions (see Chapter 7) 

Demand for advanced functions is assessed by exploring the blind and partially sighted 

research participants’ perceptions and expectations of these features. How these 

perceptions and expectations of advanced functions differ from those of people with 

dyslexia, manual dexterity impairment and the sighted control samples is described. 

Finally, this chapter outlines relevant equipment considerations that the research 

suggests might increase accessibility and usability of those advanced features. 

Consumer reaction to voice output (see Chapter 8) 

Whilst the question of the impact of voice output on DAB radio use was not a research 

question in itself, the overwhelmingly positive responses given by blind and partially 

sighted participants’ to DAB radios with voice output was felt to warrant a separate 

chapter. The impact of voice output on independent use and other benefits to blind 

and partially sighted participants are described. Any benefits to participants with 

dyslexia, manual dexterity impairment and to the ‘sighted control’ group are discussed. 

Finally, this chapter details the impact of DAB radios with voice output on perceptions 

of the ease of use of DAB radio. 

Priorities for accessible and usable DAB radios for blind 

and partially sighted people (see Chapter 9) 

Following the preceding discussions on the research findings relating to how blind and 

partially sighted participants use DAB radio (what they do with it, what cues and 

design features assist accessibility and usability), a checklist of design considerations is 

presented in a prioritised form. 

Insights from industry interviews (see Chapter 10) 

This chapter explores the extent to which and how accessibility considerations are built 

into the product design and development processes by manufacturers of consumer 

digital radio equipment. It also reports the constraints and solutions cited by industry 

interviewees relating to the feasibility of developing consumer digital radio equipment 

that is accessible to blind and partially sighted people. 

37

5. Setting the scene 

5.1. Personas 

As noted in the Methods chapter (Chapter 3), a total of 38 people were interviewed. 

The majority (n=24) were blind or partially sighted, and there were three additional 

samples: people with dyslexia (n=3), people with manual dexterity impairment (n=3) 

and a control sample of sighted participants who reported that they were not affected 

by dyslexia or manual dexterity impairment (n=8). In addition, 100 blind or partially 

sighted people were respondents for the Short Preference Survey, and many chose to 

describe their DAB radio experiences beyond the information collected by this 

structured Survey. 

A broad range of life situations and experiences with DAB were described to us. To 

bring our research participants to life for the reader, we present five ‘personas’. None 

of the personas were real participants in the research, but their characteristics and 

features are based on research observations gained in this project. The key thing to 

note from the personas is that blind and partially sighted and sighted digital radio 

users have many overlapping needs and requirements. 

Persona 1: Susie, age 27 years, student 

Very confident with a range of technologies, cost sensitive (bought 2nd hand on 

eBay, wanted portable access): 

- iPod, PC, mobile; enjoys the range of stations that DAB offers, and improved 

reception 

Uses DAB independently: 

- Presets, re-scanning, alarm clock, volume, station surfing 

Blind since birth, Susie’s DAB use differs from a sighted person: 

- No access to extra information on the DAB screen 

- Initially had to be shown how to use, and still sometimes relies on friends for 

trouble shooting; wishes her DAB gave some (tactile or audible) feedback to help 

her work out where the various settings are at 

- Takes her longer to find a station (by memorising the order in which radio stations 

are listed, listening to hear what station is on) than her flatmates 

“The main advantage of analogue is that you know what you’re doing just twirling 

the dial.” 

38


Persona 2: Margaret, age 73 years, retired 

Average confidence with technology 

- Bought her first DAB radio for herself as a replacement radio 3 years ago, and 

since bought another two different models for other rooms (white one for the 

kitchen, long lasting battery life for bathroom); retailers have shown her how to 

set each one up 

Values radio, in a mix of media use, and likes getting out 

- Listens 2-4 hours a day; prefers to listen to her DAB radios, because she knows 

she can get so many different stations; remembers how at first she avoided 

changing station until she worked out how to do it; has noticed different ways of 

changing station on her different DABs 

- Sometimes records radio to cassette, and would be interested in recording directly 

using one of her DABs, if it could do it and it was easy for her 

Margaret is sighted 

- Put off exploring newer DAB features, because she finds it hard to read the 

screen – needing to bend down and put on her glasses, contrast that makes it 

hard to read in bright light 

“I used to record a lot. I’m not really that confident with the digital…. I haven’t 

explored if I can access that function [recording] on my radio…” 

39


Persona 3: Graham, age 47 years, insurance sales 

Confident with technology, work PC use 

- Bought DAB with voice output himself because loves radio, and heard about voice 

output - lives alone, very independent - the voice output makes his radio use 

more independent than previously 

Values radio 

- Listens 1-3 hours a day ranging from stations offering intelligent ‘talk’/debate 

(particularly in the mornings) to more ‘talk’ and classical music in the evening 

Set his DAB up himself with help from a friend, used audio CD instruction manual 

- Once he had checked with help from a sighted friend how to set presets, he now 

sets them himself- CD manual helpful, but does not remember it detailing every 

action; changes station mainly using presets as his radio does not provide any 

feedback using the scroll and select method of changing station 

- Has asked a friend to re-scan to find new stations, and had to ask a friend to set 

the alarm clock 

Graham has been blind since birth 

“Digital radio [with voice output] is so easy; I don’t change station in any of the 

other radios I have” 

40


Persona 4: Henry, age 54 years, retired bus driver 

Low confidence with technology, no work PC use, received DAB as gift from 

daughter 

Values radio highly 

- Listens 6-10 hours a day usually to a ‘talk’/easy listening station whether on 

analogue or DAB; used to listen to the cricket commentary on one of his DAB 

presets but can’t remember how to find that station; would like local radio to be 

on DAB too 

DAB set up by his daughter but she’s not been to visit for a few months 

- No re-scan carried out to check for new stations (lost preset because of new 

channel numbering) 

Henry retired early - partial sight loss affected job (bus driver) 

- Can’t read the small text on the low contrast DAB screen 

- Doesn’t explore functionality (menus, other stations) in case he ‘breaks’ it, when 

he has tried he sometimes doesn’t know if he’s pressed a button or not, or where 

dials are at/pointing 

“I am not interested in functions like the station guide [EPG] or recording. I don’t 

think I would use them… It does what I want, but it wasn’t worth £99.” 

41


Persona 5: James, age 32 years, civil servant 

Loves new technology and gadgets 

- Will spend a premium for highly featured products, likes to get new technology 

products first 

Values radio highly 

- Listens to DAB at home, would like to listen to DAB whilst travelling to and from 

work (in car), and listens to radio over internet through headphones at work; over 

4 hours a day - usually music stations, or sport 

Set up his DAB himself 

- Knows how to re-scan and set pre-sets 

James is sighted and there are things he would like 

- A bigger screen to display all text (station name, presenter, content 

information…), rather than scrolling through text options using ‘info’ button 

- Voice output for the text display information in car DAB radio, like his SatNav 

“I think I’ve explored all the functions. Yes, I’ve looked at the instruction manual, 

but just to see if there was something I didn’t find by myself.” 

42


5.2. Independence, disability, and a sense of exclusion 

(blind and partially sighted sample) 

The interviews conducted as part of this research project collected rich data not only 

on radio use, but also on the lives of the blind and partially sighted people we spoke 

to. To put the role and value of DAB radio in the context of the lives of the blind and 

partially sighted interviewees, participants’ self-reflections on being blind or partially 

sighted are considered here. Illustrative quotations from the interviewees are provided 

where relevant. 

All participants in the blind and partially sighted sample were asked to what extent, 

if at all, they considered themselves disabled, and to comment on any area(s) in their 

lives they felt their independence had been compromised by being blind or partially 

sighted. 

The majority of blind and partially sighted participants showed they had adapted to 

new and changing sight loss and reported maintaining a rich and varied social and 

work life. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that sight loss and no sight have 

significant impact on people’s lives. Where independence is lost, feelings of frustration, 

vulnerability and depression emerged. Many participants felt wary of venturing out of 

the house alone and entering new, unfamiliar contexts which could increase the sense 

of social isolation. In some contexts participants felt a burden to others, resulting in 

giving up previously enjoyed activities. 

Many participants felt that the label of ‘disability’ was more relevant to pockets of 

their lives rather than to themselves as people. Many preferred to acknowledge the 

limitations in being able to live in a sighted world. Independence appears to be a 

constant goal, and challenge. 

Some participants gave up their independence in some areas of their lives willingly, 

whilst others reported going to great lengths to adapt to maintain a level of 

independence whether via learning new strategies (eg counting steps), accepting huge 

time expenditure on learning (eg a mental map of a process) or investing in sometimes 

costly assistive technology. 

“I think that you must adapt to the situation; once you manage it, the problem is 

limited.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

“My life is my memory now. I try to make up with my mind what I have lost with my 

eyes.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

The extent to which problems with everyday activities hindered behaviour was largely 

dependent on whether or not participants perceived their difficulties as hurdles that 

43


could be overcome. Confidence with technology and awareness of assistive devices and 

technologies are important in increasing independence. A few participants felt entirely 

excluded from particular activities and did not consider that technology could offer 

assistance to them. For many of these people, confidence with technology or having 

the know-how (eg word-of-mouth through close social networks of people with similar 

sight problems) was lacking. 

Participants’ views on how industry can and could support their needs varied, often 

related to their sense of dependency. For instance, for some partially sighted 

participants, technical solutions involving colours and contrast were key; whilst some of 

those who were blind expected that they would require more substantial product 

modifications. 

Some participants were sympathetic to the hurdles faced by industry in implementing 

accessible and usable product design, commonly citing small markets as a possible 

hurdle for industry. Others felt they were increasingly being left behind in a world 

dominated by new digital technologies in which their existing learned product-use 

strategies are no longer effective or relevant (eg touch-screen devices). 

“I think in an ideal world, companies should build things designed for blind people 

but I know the audience is limited. For me [it] is difficult to find and buy 

something suitable because I am not totally blind; I need devices with extra 

features rather than talking substitutes. Things like changeable colours are really 

useful for me.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“It is important to have disabled people [involved] in the products design process.” 

[blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

5.3. Value of radio (all samples) 

Radio valued by all samples 

Radio was valued by all participants who were interviewed irrespective of the sample 

from which they were drawn. This may partly reflect a sampling bias - all were recruited 

because they were DAB radio users and willing to give time to talk about their DAB 

radio experiences. Similar sampling bias could be present in any similar type of 

research, where participants voluntarily agree to take part. Across the participants who 

were sighted, there was no evidence to suggest any difference in the value placed on 

DAB radio between people with dyslexia, those with dexterity impairment and the 

sighted controls. The only differences related to the amount of time people had to 

listen to DAB radio - for instance older people who were retired (eg dexterity sample) 

44


had more opportunity to listen without interruption to DAB radio at their leisure than 

did those who were younger and were working or studying (eg the dyslexia sample). 

Blind and partially sighted participants relied more on radio for 

entertainment, information and company than did the sighted 

participants 

Radio was relied on more highly by the blind and partially sighted interviewees 

compared to the sighted controls for entertainment, information and company. The 

importance of radio access and usability to the blind and partially sighted sample in 

this context are paramount. In contrast, the sighted participants more often reported 

satisfying their needs for entertainment, information and company with use of 

television as well as radio. 

“I listen to a lot of radio because I find many entertaining and interesting 

programmes on it; also because I need to compensate for my lack of visual 

stimulation.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 65-74 years] 

“All the information radio gives is suitable for me; this is the key reason why I listen 

to it.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“Radio is very important for blind people because it is a form of communication and 

information. I don’t watch TV, as I must be very close to it.” [blind and partially 

sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“In the morning I mainly listen to the radio, then I walk the dog, look after him and 

watch television.” [Control, male, 65-74 years] 

Blind and partially sighted participants were likely to use the radio as their main 

information and entertainment medium. They listened for many hours over the day 

(including overnight), and were more likely than any of the sighted samples to ‘sit and 

listen’ as well as use it for background and company. 

“When I listen to radio it is quite often dedicated; I pretty much [just] listen.” [blind 

and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 18-30 years] 

“I have two radios, both DAB digital radio. I listen to them constantly, every day. 

[…] Radio has a valuable role for blind people.” [blind and partially sighted: mild 

sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

“I love radio. I switch it on every morning and sometimes during the night if I can’t 

sleep.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

45


5.4. Ownership of radio (all samples) 

Blind and partially sighted interviewees and respondents to the Short 

Preference Survey tended to own more radios (analogue or digital) than 

did any of the sighted samples 

Most blind and partially sighted participants across the interviews owned more than 

one radio and some owned many more, indicating potentially larger market sizes than 

might be assumed solely on the basis of prevalence data for sight loss. This 

observation was supported by data from the Short Preference Survey: 87 per cent of 

the blind and partially sighted sample owned three or more radios (DAB or analogue) 

compared with 48 per cent of the nationally representative sample (see Figure 

5.1/Results table [AB5.1] in Appendix B). Where specified by respondents to the Short 

Preference Survey, blind and partially sighted respondents owning more than five 

radios reported owning 7 (n=1), 9 (n=2), 10 (n=1), 12 (n=1), 15 (n=1), more than 20 

(n=1), and more than 30 (n=1). 

Figure 5.1 How many radios (analogue or digital do you have?) 

Percentage of sample 

100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

1 2 3 4 5 or more don’t know 

Number of radios 

nationally representative sample (n=225) 

blind and partially sighted sample (n=100) 

46


The interviewees also revealed that many of their radios were never moved from a 

particular room and radios were often matched to room décor. 

“I have a radio in the living room, one in the kitchen, one in the bedroom, in the 

bathroom, at the door and a portable one. Radios are usually fixed in the rooms.” 

[blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

Blind and partially sighted respondents were more likely than their 

sighted counterparts to own more DAB radios 

The Short Preference Survey revealed that in addition to owning more radios, in 

general, blind and partially sighted respondents owned more DAB radios (40 per cent 

owned three or more) than did respondents from the nationally representative sample 

(11 per cent owned three or more) (see Figure 5.2/Results table [AB5.2] in Appendix 

B). Only one respondent reporting “five or more” DAB radios specified a precise 

number of DAB radios and claimed to own more than 20. 

Figure 5.2 On how many of your radios can you listen to digital (DAB) radio? 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

1 2 3 4 5 or more don’t know 

Number of radios 


blind and partially sighted sample (n=100) 

47


Nearly half of the blind and partially sighted sample from the Short 

Preference Survey reported owning a radio with voice output. 

In the Short Preference Survey all respondents were asked to report on their DAB 

radio. Respondents that owned more than one DAB radio were asked to report on the 

one they used the most. Forty-two percent of the blind and partially sighted 

respondents chose to report on their DAB radio that had voice output. For this reason, 

throughout the remaining results chapters, relevant results are reported by three 

samples: nationally representative (n=225); blind and partially sighted reporting on 

DAB radio with no voice output (no VO: n=58); and blind and partially sighted 

reporting on DAB radio with voice output (VO: n=42). 

The blind and partially sighted sub-sample with voice output was more likely to be 

female (relative to the sample as a whole) and whilst age distributions were similar 

between those reporting on a voice output DAB radio and those reporting on a DAB 

radio without voice output, there was a disproportionate number of voice output DAB 

radio ownership between the ages of 75-84 years (see Table 5.1). 

Table 5.1 Age distribution across the blind and partially sighted sample reporting 

on DAB radios with and without voice output (Short Preference Survey) 

Age range 

DAB without voice 

output (n=58) 

DAB with voice output 

(n=42) 

18-24 years 1.7% 2.4% 

25-34 years 8.6% 11.9% 

35-44 years 17.2% 19% 

45-54 years 25.9% 23.8% 

55-64 years 24.1% 23.8% 

65-74 years 13.8% 7.1% 

75-84 years 1.7% 9.5% 

85+ years 6.9% 2.4% 

TOTAL 100% 100% 

48


5.5. The meaning of ‘digital radio’ (all samples) 

Irrespective of the sample from which they were drawn, the perceptions and expections 

of ‘digital radio’ of most participants’ in the in-depth interviews were associated with 

increased station choice (including novel stations not available through analogue 

broadcasts), better quality reception and ease-of-use (particularly with regard to 

tuning). 

“Digital radio means to me ease of use, good sound and availability.” [blind and 

partially sighted: mild sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“Digital for me means a bigger range of stations and ease of use.” [Dyslexia, male, 

18-30 years] 

“The digital is very easy, a lot easier than the analogue I have, even from the first 

time I got it. Reception and tone are really good. I would recommend it.” 

[Dexterity, female, 75+ years] 

Some participants were unsure of the meaning of ‘digital radio’; some questioned 

whether analogue radios with digital displays offered ‘digital radio’. These occasionally 

noted perceptions and beliefs were not associated with any particular sample or age 

group. Our in-home observations verified that all participants for the in-depth 

interviews were using DAB radios. 

“I don’t have a clue what makes a radio digital. I thought it was because you press 

different digits for different stations.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight 

loss, male, 75+ years] 

“Digital for me means more money for no difference. I like the fact I can listen to it 

again from the computer but I don’t know if it’s because of the digital. I don’t 

know what digital means.” [Control, female, 18-30 years] 

Increased functionality was generally not cited by respondents as being associated with 

digital radio. This is consistent with results presented in the next two Chapters which 

describe the arguably limited expectations and use of DAB radio across the majority of 

participants, irrespective of their sample. 

49

6. Core functional requirements 

6.1. Summary 

Partial sight and blindness appear to account for more differences in DAB radio use 

than dyslexia or dexterity impairment. Interviewees with dyslexia and dexterity 

impairment used radio more like the ‘sighted control’ group than they did the blind 

and partially sighted sample. This was in terms of ways of controlling the equipment 

and listening patterns. 

Core functional requirements relate to basic listening (switching on, tuning in). The 

most common and important use of digital radio was simply listening to content. 

Blind and partially sighted interviewees tended to listen to a lot more radio than the 

sighted samples, who did not appear to differ in their digital radio consumption. 

Interviewees across all samples evidenced a range of media that they used for 

providing information (eg radio, television, newspapers, internet). Overall, 

participants with dyslexia, dexterity impairment, and ‘sighted controls’ reported 

more reliance on television for their information needs than did the blind and 

partially sighted sample who placed more emphasis on radio to fulfil this need. 

All interviewees, irrespective of their sample, listened to a small range of radio 

stations and primarily expected good quality programming, easier to use and 

aesthetically pleasing products from digital radio. 

Blind and partially sighted respondents to the Short Preference Survey were more 

likely to report having some difficulty related to getting lost in a menu or having 

difficulty with the settings compared to the nationally representative sample. 

Blind and partially sighted respondents to the Short Preference Survey dealt with 

difficulties differently to the nationally representative sample. Blind and partially 

sighted respondents were more likely to switch the product off and on again and 

only one in five reported consulting the manual (likely because of poor accessibility) 

whilst the nationally representative sample were more likely to carry on pressing 

buttons or to consult the manual. 

Strategies observed and reported on by the blind and partially sighted interviewees 

including memorising button press sequences (eg for setting presets) after having 

been shown by a sighted person (shop assistant, partner, friend), ‘feeling around’ for 

button cues (eg large size button to indicate ‘on’, button positioning) and sticking 

50


‘raised dots’ on products as reference points, trial and error, and maintaining very 

simple, predictable use (ie not changing anything). 

In contrast the sighted interviewees (including those with and without dexterity 

problems or dyslexia) used their vision to work out how to use digital radio. This 

included understanding button labels and symbols as well as button positions and 

size as cues. The location and the tilt of the visual display were considered 

important for ease of use. Sighted and partially sighted participants valued displays 

positions and tilts that supported easy viewing. And as with the blind and partially 

sighted sample, maintaining simple use was common. 

Based on these research findings, key considerations for easy to use equipment 

include: easy connections, button feedback and physical characteristics of buttons, 

clear connections and easy to manoeuvre aerials, better interaction design for simply 

listening to radio (eg tuning, rescan, scroll and select), and characteristics of the text 

display to make the information more readable. 

6.2. Blind and partially sighted people: general use of 

DAB radios 

6.2.1 Time spent listening to radio 

As noted in the previous section, blind and partially sighted people listen to a lot of 

radio and used more radios compared with the other samples. This is partly because 

those at home listen more and loss of sight is in many cases age-related. People at 

home are generally but not exclusively retired. Whilst 50 per cent of both the blind and 

partially sighted sample and the sighted samples taken together (‘sighted controls’, 

samples with dyslexia and dexterity impairment) were aged over 65 years and hence of 

retirement age, blind and partially sighted participants were more likely than sighted 

participants to spend more time at home. In some cases, this was because they spent 

less hours per day in employment, and for others, they chose to spend more time at 

home. For some participants this related their sense of independence (see section 5.2). 

Blind and partially sighted participants were more likely to use the radio (rather than 

TV), for more hours over the day (including overnight), for more content genres, and 

were more likely to ‘sit and listen’ as well as use it for background and company. 

51


6.2.2. Reliance on radio for news 

Whilst many blind and partially sighted participants reported using a range of media 

for their world/national/local information needs (including accessible internet for many 

mostly young participants), radio was most often cited as the main medium for this 

genre. 

“Radio is massively important in my life; it is my newspaper; I know what’s going on 

by means of it.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 31-64 

years] 

“I use radio for news, especially from the World Service.” [blind and partially sighted: 

moderate sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

6.2.3. Range of radio stations listened to 

Consistent with the research cited in Chapter 1 (from the Digital Radio Development 

Bureau (2007), and from Bruce et al.’ (1991)), there was no strong evidence from any 

of the samples that participants regularly listened to the full range of digital radio 

stations available to them. Usually this was through choice (they only liked a few 

stations), though at other times it was because of usability issues. Presets were relied 

on heavily and it was common for participants to set up to just five presets (or have 

them set up for them), sometimes losing some of them over time. Participants stuck 

with whatever presets they had that worked. 

“I listen to BBC London that is set on the only preset I have. On Sunday I tend to 

listen to Kerrang Radio, occasionally BBC5Live for sport.” [blind and partially 

sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“I think I can receive a lot of channels but I just listen to my five presets. […] I tend 

not to move the radio around because I would be scared, and because I think I 

would lose all the presets” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 

65-74 years] 

“I find it difficult to use this one because of the display; I can’t read it so I don’t 

know which station I am listening to. I know I could have 10 presets but I have just 

three of them.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

52


6.2.4. Expectations of DAB 

For all interviewees, DAB radio expectations centred largely on content (more stations, 

stations only available via DAB), usability (often the assessment being based on wordof-mouth) 

and aesthetics (matching radios to rooms). 

“I expect good sound quality, ease of use and simplicity even if I am quite a ‘techie’ 

person.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“I bought my radio for the sound and for more channels. I also don’t want to be left 

behind with technology.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 

65-74 years] 

6.2.5. Exploration of unfamiliar stations 

Blind and partially sighted participants were mostly happy with the smaller range of 

stations they listened to and when none of their selected stations offered interesting 

programming, participants tended to switch off rather than explore other non-preset 

stations. Once again, for some participants this was through choice, but for others, 

usability issues and confidence with technology affected their behaviour. 

“I can access three channels now. Generally for the everyday use of my radio I am 

happy. Sometimes I’d like to listen to something else when I find those channels 

not interesting, but it doesn’t bother me a lot. I can find something else to do.” 

[blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“I have realised that if there is something I don’t like on TV I tend to change 

channel, whilst if it happens with radio I tend to turn it off. This is because radio is 

more complicated. You have to look for another station, to select, to control the 

aerial. […] I don’t think digital radio is any better than analogue. I don’t think it is 

such a big improvement. It didn’t meet my expectations.” [blind and partially 

sighted: mild sight loss, male, 65-74 years] 

6.3. Sighted controls and participants with dyslexia and 

manual dexterity impairment: general use of DAB radio 

6.3.1. Time spent listening to radio 

All sighted participants - ‘sighted controls’ and participants with dyslexia and manual 

dexterity impairment - were generally less heavy radio listeners than were blind and 

53


partially sighted participants. Whilst sighted participants in the dexterity, dyslexia and 

control samples used and valued radio highly, TV also played an important role. 

“I switch the radio on at about 7 in the morning until 12. I like it for the company. I 

watch TV in the afternoon.” [Dexterity, female, 75+ years] 

“When I listen to it I usually do something else like painting, having a shower, 

driving.” [Control, male, 18-30 years] 

6.3.2. Reliance on radio for news 

For sighted participants, TV was reported to play a large role in providing news. 

“We listen to news quite a lot from the radio, but we also get them from the 

newspaper and TV. For me TV is probably the main source of information.” 

[Control, female, 75+ years] 

6.3.3. Range of radio stations listened to 

Similar to the blind and partially sighted participants, all sighted participants (controls, 

and participants with dyslexia and dexterity impairment) listened to only a few 

stations. 

“I listen to Radio 2. I never change channel because otherwise I can’t go back.” 


“Extra stations are not a benefit for me. I just listen to TalkSport and two other 

radios [stations]. If I want something else, I probably go on the internet. I am sure 

most of the people listen to their favourite channels and that’s all they listen to.” 

[Control, male, 18-30 years] 

“[My grandson] set the presets on my radios: Radio 4 and Magic in the one in the 

kitchen, just Radio 4 on the [brand A] one […] I just switch the radio on, off, 

press the preset where Radio 4 is set, nothing else. I have not explored my radio. I 

don’t know how many channels I can receive.” [Control, female, 65-74 years] 

6.3.4. Expectations of DAB 

Across all samples, expectations of DAB radio centred on content (stations and 

programming), usability and aesthetics. 

“A radio has to be aesthetically pleasing […] I don’t like the shape of the [brand C]; 

it’s too masculine […] When I buy something like this I look for quality and good 

looking.” [Dyslexia, female, 31-64 years] 

54


“I was expecting more stations and easier way to use. I was looking for something 

small and neat, that’s why I bought it.” [Control, female, 31-64 years] 

6.3.5. Exploration of unfamiliar stations 

Similar to the blind and partially sighted participants, there was a tendency for sighted 

participants (controls, and participants with dyslexia and dexterity impairment) to 

switch off if none of the programming on their preferred radio stations were of 

interest. There was no strong evidence to suggest that any of the sighted samples were 

different to the blind and partially sighted sample in their behaviours with regard to 

exploring new radio programming. Note, however, radio was more likely to be listened 

to passively (background) in these groups. A consideration in encouraging new 

audiences to radio stations is how easy it is for users to explore the range of stations 

available on their receivers. 

“If there is something I don’t like on TV or on the radio I watch a DVD.” [Dexterity, 

female, 75+ years] 

6.4. Blind and partially sighted people: operating 

DAB radios 

6.4.1. More difficulties in operating equipment 

Overall, respondents from the blind and partially sighted sample to the Short 

Preference Survey (whether their own DAB radio supported voice output or not) were 

more likely (88.6 per cent) than their sighted counterparts (47 per cent) to report 

experiencing some difficulty in the everyday use of their DAB radio. A Pearson Chi- 

Squared test revealed that this difference was significant (Chi Squared = 50.6 (df =1), 

p < 0.01). Having a radio with voice output reduced difficulty experienced with DAB 

radio (voice output: 85.7 per cent versus no voice output: 91.4 per cent) though not 

to the same level as for sighted respondents (see Figure 6.1/Results table [AB6.1] in 

Appendix B). This difference was not statistically significant (Chi squared = 0.8 (df = 

1), ns). 

55


Figure 6.1 Experienced some difficulty with DAB radio 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

nationally blind and partially blind and partially 

representative sighted sample: sighted sample: 

sample (n=225) no voice output (n=58) voice output (n=42) 

Blind and partially sighted respondents were over twice as likely than the nationally 

representative sample to report getting lost in a menu (blind and partially sighted 

sample: 48 per cent versus 19 per cent). They are nearly twice as likely to report 

accidentally changing a setting (eg station, volume, or power) without expecting to 

(61 per cent versus 33 per cent) and also nearly twice as likely to report finding that a 

setting had changed without them or anyone else apparently pressing any buttons (27 

per cent versus 14 per cent). Indeed one respondent to the Short Preference Survey 

summarised his digital radio experience: “The radio is in charge; I’m not in charge”. 

6.4.2. Troubleshooting 

Of those reporting some difficulty with using their digital radio, the blind and partially 

sighted sample (n=89) showed different patterns of trouble shooting compared with 

their sighted counterparts (n=106). Sighted participants were most likely to either 

continue pressing buttons hoping to get back to where they were (55 per cent), or 

they referred to the user/instruction manual (55 per cent). Over half of them also tried 

switching their radios off and on (52 per cent). Almost a third (31 per cent) reported 

asking for someone’s help. In contrast, the blind and partially sighted sample as a 

56


whole was most likely to try switching their radio off and on (72 per cent) or they 

carried on pressing buttons (51 per cent) or asked for local help from a friend, family 

member or housemate (46 per cent). They were less inclined to refer to the 

user/instruction manual (20 per cent), probably because it is often not accessible to 

them. Whilst calling a telephone helpline was only reported by a low proportion of 

blind and partially participants who had experienced difficulties, it is possible that 

more accessible user manuals could reduce call centre costs. 

6.4.3. Ease-of-use 

Since many of the blind and partially sighted interview sample owned more than one 

DAB radio, participants were more able to judge comparative usability, particularly 

across different DAB brands and models or by comparing to analogue radio. It was 

difficult for participants to make broad judgements about the usability of DAB radio in 

this context; each DAB radio was often judged on its own merit and relative to others 

that they owned. 

“The sound is clearer on my DAB and I can get more channels, but it’s not as easyto-use.” 


6.4.4. Confidence with technology 

When confronted with an opportunity to use an unfamiliar digital radio in the in-depth 

interviews, participants who were more comfortable with technology quickly and 

eagerly explored the product by feeling around for clues, using trial and error to get 

the radio switched on and tuned in. Thinking aloud whilst they explored, they were 

more likely to verbalise the design features that helped them (eg expectations of 

button position for particular functions, button size as an indication of button 

importance, drawing on their mental map of existing digital radio interfaces). Those 

who were less comfortable with technology, explored more slowly and cautiously, 

waiting for prompts from the interviewer. They needed more prompting to describe 

their thoughts as they explored (eg what do you think that is and why?). 

6.4.5. Variation in interface design for DAB radios 

Interaction interfaces across DAB radios are generally not as consistent as those across 

analogue ones. The older transistor radios were more predictable generally consisting 

of 2 dials: on/volume and tuning dial. 

Where participants owned multiple radios, some participants in the in-depth interviews 

kept each different radio tuned to a particular station which was rarely, if ever, 

changed, or they set up radios in different rooms for different functions (ie to listen to 

57


different stations). Re-tuning or scroll and selecting different stations was reported or 

observed to be difficult for some users. 

“What I don’t like on digital radio is that I forget how to tune, but I think it’s a 

problem due to the fact that new devices are all different from one another.” [blind 

and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

“I tend to leave the radio on the same channel on one radio, and another channel 

on another radio. Setting presets is too difficult for me. That’s why I would like a 

talking radio [radio with voice output for button presses and voice output for 

information presented on the screen]. I also have a talking kitchen [products in 

the kitchen that provide voice output] and a talking clock.” [blind and partially 


“I have two radios next door tuned on Radio 4 long wave for the cricket. Another in 

the bedroom on Radio 4; then I have two radios in the living room. I use the first 

when I want to record something on cassette; the other is a DAB radio.” [blind and 

partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

For partially sighted interviewees, characteristics of the text display were important to 

its accessibility. High contrast text to background and large text size were important to 

accessing the displayed information for partially sighted participants. 

6.4.6. Strategies for learning to use DAB radios 

To use their own radio and when using an unfamiliar radio for the first time, blind and 

partially sighted participants who were interviewed reported or were observed using a 

number of strategies. Participants commonly reported being shown how to access and 

use certain functions (eg setting presets) usually by a sighted helper (eg a shop 

assistant, a family member, partner or friend) and if they were sufficiently confident 

with technology they would memorise button press sequences and button locations to 

perform the same action(s) independently. Others avoided having to learn by never 

altering settings, maintaining only very basic use (switch on/off). 

6.4.7. Simple strategies for everyday use of DAB radios 

Some blind and partially sighted participants reported never using the scroll and select 

function and used alternative methods to know which station they were listening to. 

Many respondents only ever used presets for a small number of channels which they 

had memorised, and others relied on the broadcast station identifications (on the 

hour/half hour). Some counted through the alphabetised channel order, and others 

58


were so familiar with their favourite stations that they could recognise a station after 

only a few seconds of hearing it (presenter’s voice, predictable content). 

6.4.8. Good feedback valued 

Feedback (auditory or tactile) from the product was hugely beneficial to blind and 

partially sighted users exploring their radios. Observations of participants using an 

unfamiliar radio indicated that absence of an immediate response from the product to 

a button press (eg with the scroll and select function) was confusing, and delays in 

response (eg delay before tuning in) often led to more, unnecessary, button pressing. 

For example, some participants found it difficult to tune in to a station until they were 

encouraged (by the interviewer) to wait a few seconds after pressing the select button. 

To help orientate themselves, some participants reported counting the number of clicks 

to find a station that they wished to listen to (where the stations were ordered 

alphabetically). 

Others had added tactile ‘dots’ to their products to give themselves reference points. 

“The strategy I have to use for some devices is usually putting a dot on them, to 

have a datum point.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 65-74 

years] 

“I think it’s useful to have a starting point for the volume. The buttons are too close 

and rounded so you can’t stick a dot or a label to recognise them.” [blind and 

partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

6.5. Sighted people: operating DAB radios 

6.5.1. Limited impact of dyslexia or dexterity impairment 

Interviewees with dyslexia, dexterity impairment and the ‘sighted controls’ showed no 

notable differences in how they used digital radio: being sighted had more impact on 

the way they operated their radio as a group compared with the blind and partially 

sighted sample. Typically, all sighted interviewees irrespective of whether they were a 

‘sighted control’ or had dyslexia or dexterity problems, primarily relied on their vision 

to work out what to do with their radios. This was most evident when exploring an 

unfamiliar radio for the first time. 

59


6.5.2. Confidence with technology 

Similar to the blind and partially sighted interviewees, the extent to which participants 

from the sighted samples felt confident with technology affected their exploration of 

digital radio both of their own familiar radio, and of a new unfamiliar one. Simple use 

(ie listening to only one station always at the same volume, user only switched radio 

on and off) was common. 

“I do enjoy radio but my use of it is restricted to what I am able to do. My husband 

usually changes channel for me.” [Control, female, 75+ years] 

6.5.3. Feedback and buttons 

Issues for the sighted groups centred on clear text displays and meaningful button 

labelling (eg a brand label to activate voice output was meaningless to participants, 

and the labels ‘standby’ and the symbol to represent standby were sometimes unclear 

to sighted users). A minority of participants, though not always those with dexterity 

impairment, commented that it was more difficult to manipulate buttons with minimal 

elevation from the surface. Some commented on buttons that stood out because they 

were presented in a different colour. There was some evidence of mistaking a light 

(LED) for a button. 

Some participants reported that the angle of the display on many digital radios was 

unhelpful, requiring the user to bend down to see the display. When comparing their 

own radio to a new one presented to them during the course of the interview, the 

sighted participants acknowledged differences between text displays and indicated 

preferences for those that were easier to read (higher contrast, larger text size) than 

others. 

6.5.4. Context based similarities in blind, partially sighted and sighted 

users’ needs 

When the interviewees from the sighted samples were using or reported on using their 

own radios, they sometimes operated it without looking ( eg because it was positioned 

in a kitchen on a work top lower than the user’s line of sight, or at night when the 

room is dark). Under these conditions, participants used physical characteristics of the 

buttons to help them navigate the interface (eg memorised button positions, 

recognised larger buttons). 

60


6.6. Core functions of DAB radio use 

The interviews and comments collected during the Short Preference Survey elicited 

information about which features and functions of digital radio were most valued and 

used. All sub-samples were similar in their general radio use and exploration; the 

majority of participants and respondents regularly carried out basic tasks and advanced 

functions, where they were available, were less often explored Listening to reports 

from research participants and observing their DAB radio use, indicated that radio 

functions were generally prioritised in the following order: 

listening to the radio 

station selection 

changing volume 

setting presets. 

Few participants explored beyond these basic functions. A few participants did report 

using their radios for some advanced functions, the most common being: 

accessing additional text display information 

alarm clock and ‘Sleep’ (where available). 

Far lower (observed or reported) functional priorities were: 

pausing 

recording 

Electronic Programme Guide (where available). 

Participants’ reactions to these advanced features are discussed in the next chapter 

(Chapter 7). 

6.7. Equipment considerations that make core 

functionality accessible to blind and partially sighted 

consumers 

6.7.1. Feedback from equipment 

For blind and partially sighted participants, tactile and/or audible feedback provided 

for button presses or dials was observed to be invaluable for strategies helping DAB 

radio users to orient themselves (eg counting the number of clicks to find a station the 

61


user wishes to listen to). Dial controls that use tactile markers to indicate highest, 

lowest and current position of dial and/or tactile or auditory clicks were reported to be 

helpful to blind and partially sighted interviewees. 

“I think the interface of this radio is wrong for people that can’t see. The dial 

doesn’t click…” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 18-30 years] 

“I know exactly what to do but if I press or turn a button three times, instead of 

two, I can’t see what I did.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 

31-64 years] 

“I know how to set a station on the preset now, but I think that this is more 

difficult than with the old ones I have. The dial turns around without a starting 

point, and it is difficult to know where you are and which station you are listening 

to. The only way is by recognising the voices.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate 

sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

“I prefer dials to buttons, but they should have an end point.” [blind and partially 

sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

Some respondents to the Short Preference Survey also reported difficulties when any 

audio feedback in general was absent: comments indicated that confusion arises when 

the radio goes quiet. This may have resulted from: the radio crashing; station losses 

and changes; low volume when switched on; and the radio switching itself off. Absence 

of useful feedback was also noted by Short Preference Survey respondents with 

respect to a variety of contexts. For instance, some respondents reported confusion 

over whether they were listening in DAB or FM mode; and several respondents 

reported that their portable DAB radios sometimes unexpectedly ran out of battery 

power and suggested that an auditory low battery indicator might have prevented this. 

6.7.2. Physical characteristics of buttons 

6.7.2.1. Button size and groupings/layout 

As noted above (see Section 6.3.1), all participants were observed to benefit from 

variation in button size and groupings/layout. Participants expected buttons for 

commonly used functions to be more distinctive than those for less frequently used 

functions. This can be achieved, for instance, by using variation in button shape, size, 

markings and spacing across functional groups. 

“Things that could help blind and partially sighted people are: raised buttons, dot 

on the ‘5’, audio feedback, big buttons, different shapes for different functions. 

We need to have very recognisable basic things, not many multifunctional 

62


buttons.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 75+ years] 

“I think the buttons’ structure, their distribution, separation, pronunciation and 

ease to press are elements that could really help people with visual impairment.” 


“It is also useful when buttons have a groove, when they have tactile distinctions.” 


Blind and partially sighted respondents to the Short Preference Survey also noted 

confusion in identifying the correct button to press if buttons were too small, close 

together or had a similar feel. 

Expectations of button position were important to interviewees in their radio 

exploration. Participants typically expected the ‘on’ button to be at the top in a corner. 

Comments relating to confusion over button position were also elicited from the 

respondents to the Short Preference Survey. 

“I expect the on button to be on the top left.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate 

sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“I know the on/off button is top left.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight 

loss, male, 31-64 years] 

“I would like to have the basics on the front and everything else on the side of the 

radio.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 75+ years] 

6.7.2.2. Button prominence/elevation, button resistance and stability of 

equipment during button presses 

Prominence/elevation of buttons from the product surface can also provide cues to 

button function. When exploring the low cost unfamiliar radio, a number of 

interviewees were observed having to support or steady the radio as they pressed the 

buttons because the hardware was too lightweight to support the button press. 

“I don’t have very good dexterity in my hands and the equipment I have at the 

moment is quite fiddly” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 31- 

64 years] 

Conversely, very touch sensitive buttons can also be problematic. One participant in 

the Short Preference Survey noted that some radios have buttons that are too easy to 

press by accident that change functions. It was suggested that a ‘lock’ function (as 

used with mobile phones) might be useful. 

63


6.7.2.3. Button spacing 

Some participants reported finding the spacing between buttons too small making it 

difficult to avoid pressing buttons simultaneously. Providing adequate spacing between 

buttons, particularly for smaller buttons, should be considered. 

6.7.2.4. Button colour 

As colour was redundant for the participants who were totally blind, using colour as 

the sole distinction is best avoided when considering radio design that would work for 

blind and partially sighted people. Strong colour contrast of buttons against the 

background was notably helpful for partially sighted participants. 

“I think they should change the colour of the buttons because it is the same as the 

background, grey on grey. […] Good buttons is my priority. I mean buttons that 

are big enough to see, that give you feedback and that are positioned in a way 

you can recognise and remember them. What I need is the basic buttons to stand 

out. Even if they are not big, it is important they stand out, possibly with a strong 

backlit. […] It’s difficult to say how big labels should be because if they’re too big 

the radio becomes too bulky. Maybe bold 14.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate 

sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“… red often reminds me of the record button.” [blind and partially sighted: 

moderate sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

6.7.2.5. Button shapes 

Blind and partially sighted interviewees reported that any cues to help identify buttons 

can be helpful, including variation in button shapes. For instance, navigation type keys 

could be shaped consistently with their function. 

“Things on digital radios that could help people with visual impairment are… 

distinguishable buttons and dials of different shapes and sizes that avoid 

confusing you.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male 75+ years] 

“… buttons have the same shape and ordered like in a keypad. A shape of an arrow 

could be easier for people with sight problems.” [blind and partially sighted: mild 

sight loss, female, 18-30 years] 

“Things like the ‘play’ button to be a triangle or the ‘stop’ to be a square could 

really help so you can associate the shape to the function.” [blind and partially 


64


6.7.2.6. Button labels 

Considerations for button labels include contrast, position and meaning. Button labels 

with poor contrast to the background are more difficult to read for partially sighted 

consumers as well as sighted consumers. Readability is also affected by the text style: 

consistent with other research on accessible labelling (Ofcom, 2006), button labels are 

easier to see when presented in lower case text and a sans serif font, such as Arial or 

Tiresias. The label’s position relative to its corresponding button should be clear and 

unambiguous, and the label itself should be intuitive and unambiguous. 

6.7.2.7. Toggle buttons 

Toggle buttons were not always clear to participants. This was most clearly evidenced 

in difficulties that several participants experienced (across samples) with understanding 

which mode - FM or DAB - they were listening to, particularly when exploring the 

unfamiliar low cost DAB radio that the interviewer presented to some participants. One 

participant from the blind and partially sighted sample who was using a DAB radio 

thought he was listening to digital but observation revealed he was actually listening 

to FM broadcasts. This illustrates both poor understanding of what to expect from DAB 

radio and that confusion can arise with products that support both FM and DAB 

formats using a toggle button. Furthermore, comments from a number of blind and 

partially sighted participants indicated that having dedicated buttons, rather than 

toggle buttons, for different functions was easier to follow in the absence of adequate 

(eg visual) feedback. 

“Things like big buttons and dedicated functions… make a radio easier” [blind and 

partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

“I would like a radio with nine big buttons: four for the preset, two for the volume - 

up and down - two for changing channel - left and right - and a select in the 

middle. […] Buttons are not distinguishable […] Navigation buttons should be 

separate to the others or raised.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, male, 

18-30 years] 

6.7.3. Physical properties of the text display 

6.7.3.1. Contrast 

“Labels and text on the screen with a high contrast could make radio more 

accessible for people with visual impairment. For me, the best is white on black 

background…” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 31-64 years] 

Whilst the visual output of the text display is largely not usable by blind users, good 

contrast helps partially sighted users and sighted participants to see the text. 

65


6.7.3.2. Text size and style 

Getting the size of the text to be readable can be a difficult task, particularly when 

there is a lot of information to be read from the screen. People with sight loss do not 

always benefit from increased text size, as different medical conditions can affect sight 

in different ways (eg for some people, smaller text can be more easily readable). In 

terms of text style one participant below notes that ‘squared’ text is less readable, and 

flashing and moving text were also reported to be difficult to follow. Text is easier to 

see when presented in lower case and a sans serif font, such as Arial or Tiresias. 

“I think the display should be bigger and the text clearer, maybe 16, 18 font size 

[compared to print size]. I would prefer having the text not to be squared because 

it is confusing sometimes.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 18- 

30 years] 

“I can’t read when the text is flashing.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight 


6.7.3.3. Screen size 

To accommodate larger text, larger (though more expensive) displays may be a solution 

and would be welcomed by sighted as well as blind and partially sighted participants. 

“With this radio I would finally be able to change channel thanks to the visible 

numbers on the preset and to the bigger screen. I would like a radio like this.” 


6.7.3.4. Backlit text (and buttons) 

In addition to contrast and text size, another method to make text stand out is by 

providing backlit text. Backlit text was also mentioned by some blind and partially 

sighted respondents to the Short Preference Survey. 

“I think it would be difficult to use even for sighted people, especially the display. If 

the buttons were backlit, you wouldn’t have the problem of the shadow of the 

dials on the buttons below them.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, male 

18-30 years] 

6.7.3.5. Movable text display 

Some users noted a preference for a display with adjustable position. 

“…and the display to be angled and preferably movable. The reason is because 

when it’s angled it catches better the light.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight 

loss, male 18-30 years] 

66


6.7.4. Default software processes 

6.7.4.1 DAB/FM mode switching 

Knowing which mode participants were listening to was frequently noted as an issue 

by the interviewees (or observed) across the blind, partially sighted and sighted 

samples. Having the default set to DAB mode would ensure that users at least start off 

listening to digital (consistent with expectations), and some feedback to indicate that 

the mode has switched would be helpful. 

“It’s difficult to understand whether I’m on DAB rather than FM.” [blind and partially 


6.7.4.2. Auto-tune 

Difficulties with DAB radios emerged when participants were presented with 

unnecessary user demands (eg tuning at first use). Some respondents to the Short 

Preference Survey commented that independent use for tuning in was only possible 

with extreme patience. One noted that the process was “extremely inconvenient and 

took loads of time; there was no one about to help but I would have asked if there 

was”. Indeed many respondents to the Short Preference Survey reported that they 

never re-tuned either because they were satisfied with their presets or they didn’t 

know how to re-tune. Auto-tuning in this regard is helpful. 

6.7.4.3. Default to last-use settings when power reconnected 

Some participants expressed frustration or confusion at losing their settings (eg 

presets, alarms) when the power supply was disconnected. Conversely, however, as 

indicated in Chapter 3 (Section 3.2), Short Preference Survey respondents commonly 

reported switching their radio off and on again when they were having difficulty ( eg 

lost in a menu) to re-orientate themselves. As a general rule, however, participants 

expected the radio to return to the last used state when they switch the product off 

and on again. 

“I always know the channel I am listening to when I switch the radio on because the 

radio automatically tunes on the last channel I was listening to the previous time.” 


6.7.4.4. Updating stations 

The software management of station alterations (station name changes, or position 

changes) was noted by respondents to the Short Preference Survey. For users of the 

voice output model, numerous respondents complained that re-scanning identified 

new stations for which there was no pre-recorded voice identifier. The software for the 

voice output did not update as station orders changed so many were left without 

67


station name identifiers; others thought their radio sometimes gave incorrect station 

names. The default voice tag was ‘station unknown’. This was reported by respondents 

to have an impact on their strategies of learning how to find stations. 

Voice output software should manage changes in station names and positions in a way 

that minimises confusion for the user. 

6.7.5. Instruction manuals 

6.7.5.1. Accessible instruction manuals 

Whilst some interviewees reported that they rarely used a manual, or that they relied 

exclusively on others to help them, others striving for independent use valued the 

provision of an accessible instruction manual. 

Some blind and partially sighted respondents to the Short Preference Survey also 

noted that a trial-and-error approach was their only option when their user manual was 

inaccessible and there was no one around to ask for help. Some of these respondents 

vented frustration at the amount of time taken to work out the user manual. 

Approaches used included using magnifiers, downloading accessible versions, and 

having custom transcriptions to Daisy CD of their radio’s user manual. 

Based on the research, considerations include the provision of at least one alternative 

accessible format of instructions provided in the packaging. Different participants 

specified different format preferences: audio, large print, and braille. Whilst braille is 

only used by a minority of blind and partially sighted people, and large print is not 

accessible to people with very poor vision or who are blind, audio instructions are 

accessible to both groups. In the Short Preference Survey two participants were slightly 

confused however, by provision of a CD-based manual: one believed the CD was to 

update the software, and the other was unsure of the purpose of the CD. Some 

participants specified a preference for accessible electronic files of user instructions (eg 

word, text, html and accessible pdf files) available online. 

6.7.5.2. Full use Instruction manuals 

Some interviewees noted that not all steps in a process were documented (or 

presented in a logical order) in the manual which had led to usability difficulties. This 

was supported by some comments from blind and partially sighted respondents to the 

Short Preference Survey. For instance, instructions on how long to hold down a button 

to set a function was missing and had to be worked out through trial-and-error 

instead. 

68


“The DAB radio manual was better than most, because it was an audio [with voice 

output] one… The information should be high level. For example, the CD told me I 

have to turn the dial to change the station, but it didn’t tell me to push in after 

selecting a channel. I needed these basic instructions…” [blind and partially 


6.7.5.3. Pictures and words 

Some interviewees from the blind and partially sighted sample reported that 

diagrammatic instructions were not accessible with their print readers (scan and read 

out text). Instructions provided in both words and pictures should meet different user 

needs. 

6.7.5.4. Relevant Instruction manuals 

Some participants vented frustration at having to wade through pages of irrelevant 

material, particularly when they relied on scanning the pages to access the information. 

Material considered as surplus to their requirements included instructions written for a 

different radio model to their own, and multiple languages. Instructions presented in 

English, with an easy way of finding the English version (if multiple languages are 

catered for) were cited as helpful and minimised extra effort involved for blind and 

partially sighted users who relied on scanning their manuals for access. Therefore, 

instruction manuals relevant to the radios they accompany should be provided in the 

language of the user. 

“I think the manuals nowadays are complicated because they don’t refer to a 

specific model.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, female, 31-64 years] 

“I try not to use the instruction manual. It’s usually a big book, in 15 languages, but 

if I need something I scan or download it.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight 


“I don’t always get help from someone to do stuff like this. I can use my reading 

machine to read the instructions but unfortunately in this case it was a bit difficult 

because I have the big machine upstairs and the hi-fi downstairs. The machine is 

as big as a television so I can’t move it. I had to read the instructions upstairs, 

then come back downstairs, and start again - very complicated.” [blind and partially 


“I would try to scan the instructions manual but it probably comes in different 

languages so it is quite complicated.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, 

male, 31-64 years] 

69


Instructions that allow the user to identify function and location of various buttons 

would be helpful (eg using audio instructions on CD). 

6.7.6. Packaging, hardware and basic connections for set up 

6.7.6.1. Product packaging 

In the user trials with blind and partially sighted participants, the interviewers observed 

several instance of participants failing to extract all the contents. In a real life context 

it is possible that they might accidentally miss important product-related information 

or parts. Keeping all loose parts and accessories together in one compartment or bag 

could reduce loss of important components. 

6.7.6.2. Redundant ‘holes’ in hardware 

Some, but not all, interviewees from all samples struggled with making the basic 

connections for set-up of an unfamiliar radio. Where multiple sockets were available 

and hardware contained superfluous holes, users sometimes tried to connect to any 

apparent socket. Product design could consider covering redundant holes and making 

it more clear which socket is correct for the cable. 

“…sockets more recognisable: the shape of the jack should be the same as the one 

of the socket.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“I think there are too many holes on the back of the radio; I can’t see where to plug 

in.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 75+ years] 

6.7.6.3. Pliability of hardware 

Other issues observed included fiddly and tricky release and extension of the aerial; 

difficulty in identifying the battery panel and the correct orientation of batteries to be 

inserted. Tactile cues would help in some of these instances. 

6.7.6.4. Hardware material 

A few blind and partially sighted respondents commented on the hardware material 

from which their radio product or the unfamiliar radio that they trialled was made, both 

for aesthetic and usability reasons. Some commented that the material from which the 

lowest cost DAB radio that some were asked to trial felt ‘cheap’. Others commented 

that the combination of the finish and the material from which the radio hardware is 

made can impact on usability if it produces glare, affecting users’ ability to clearly see 

the buttons and screen (eg shiny, metallic). 

70


6.7.7. Interaction design 

6.7.7.1. Selecting stations 

Interviewees (across samples) trialling scroll and push methods of selecting stations 

indicated that for products where the label ‘push’ was stuck onto the dial, participants 

did not always consider that the dial might need to be twisted first. Conversely some 

participants twisted without following the prompt to push the button to select. 

“I’ve learned where the stations are by using the radio […] The first time it was 

quite difficult; I needed time to remember all the stations. I also didn’t realise that 

I had to press ‘select’ after turning, so the first time I went wrong with it. I 

discovered it just exploring; it took me about 10 minutes.” [blind and partially 

sighted: mild sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

6.7.7.2. Setting presets 

Presets were valued and once set up, many interviewees used them exclusively. When 

stations were withdrawn or the station order changed, some lost access to valued 

stations because of difficulties in setting presets. 

“I think it would be useful to have someone at the shop that presets the stations I 

want.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 18-30 years] 

Some respondents to the Short Preference Survey also noted unexpected loss of 

presets after retuning. 

6.7.7.3. Unexpected changes to radio settings 

Survey about their confusion and annoyance at unexpected setting (time/alarm) 

changes or that their alarm/sleep settings did not functioning predictably. Indeed, one 

respondent reported that their DAB radio auto-reset under certain weather conditions. 

6.7.7.4. Personalised settings 

Depending on the degree of sight loss, different personal preferences for settings were 

evident. For instance, whilst the majority of blind and partially sighted participants 

interviewed indicated a preference for light on-screen text on dark background, others 

preferred the opposite. Allowing users to invert the colour scheme on the electronic 

text display would be helpful. 

6.7.7.5. Trouble shooting 

Getting lost in menus or lack of feedback during system delays to understand what the 

DAB radio was doing were difficulties observed in the in-depth interviews, and 

reported by respondents in the Short Preference Survey. Providing an easy exit for 

71


when lost in menus, and feedback during system delays would help to remedy these 

difficulties. Another common problem amongst participants using DAB radio with voice 

output is the failure in updating voice output software so that it accurately provides 

station identifier information. Software should be designed to manage station changes 

(name changes, additions, deletions). 

“Drawbacks of DAB for people with visual impairment are the display, not 

particularly visible, and the fact that it doesn’t recognise new stations, with the 

[DAB with voice output] in particular.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, 

female, 31-64 years] 

6.7.8. Remote control interfaces 

Only a small proportion of respondents had DAB radios accompanied by a remote 

control. The few comments that were made about remote controls were polarised. 

Some were very positive and felt that they offered an easy, more intuitive and familiar 

(logical layout) interaction interface, whilst others were very negative about them 

(having to locate the remote control, small fiddly buttons). 

“…buttons in a remote control have to be separate, so you are sure you are 

pressing just one button; risen from the surface; they should have good feedback 

to confirm the action you did.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 

65-74 years] 

Where remote controls are provided with DAB radios, they should conform to best 

practice identified in previous research (eg Ofcom, March 2006). 

6.8. Applicability of design considerations for use by 

people with sight 

Here we consider sighted controls, participants with dyslexia and participants with 

dexterity impairments. 

6.8.1. Feedback 

Sighted participants reported contexts where their ability to rely on vision whilst using 

their DAB radios was compromised (eg night time listening, radios positioned below 

eye height, in car use). Audio feedback for button presses would be useful for all users. 

72


6.8.2. Physical characteristics of buttons 

Irrespective of the more challenging contexts that sighted users referred to in using 

their digital radios where they were unable to see the product clearly, good practice in 

the design of physical characteristics of buttons was generally reported to make a 

product easier to use. 

6.8.2.1. Button size and groupings/layout 

Bigger buttons with adequate spacing between buttons, layouts that are predictable 

with expectations (eg consistent with the radios they already owned) would improve 

usability. 

“I think the buttons are too small and probably not recognisable enough, especially 

if you need to use the radio during the night - you easily get confused.” [Control, 

female, 75+ years] 

6.8.2.2. Button prominence/elevation, button resistance and stability of 

equipment during button presses 

Buttons that were prominent and easy to press were reported or observed to improve 

usability. 

“The radio is also too light, if I press a button the radio moves back.” [Control, male, 

31-64 years] 

6.8.2.3. Button spacing 

Well spaced buttons, particularly when the button size is small, was reported or 

observed to improve usability. 

“It’s really difficult for me, this radio. The buttons are too small for me […] Buttons 

are really difficult to press; they are too close. When my hands start to shake I 

can’t press the button I want.” [Dexterity, female, 65+ years] 

6.8.2.4. Button labels 

Good contrast between button/label against background, and intuitive button/dial 

labels, were reported or observed to be helpful to usability. Some participants trialling 

either the unfamiliar voice output digital radio or the unfamiliar highest cost radio were 

observed to accidentally press the incorrect number button because the label was 

positioned equidistant between two buttons. 

“I know the re-tune button but I can’t read the label very well. I have to take the 

radio closer to me.” [Control, male, 65-74 years] 

73


6.8.2.5. Toggle buttons 

Fewer toggle buttons, were all reported or observed to be helpful to usability. There 

was evidence across all samples that toggling between DAB and FM could be 

confusing. 

“The only thing that wasn’t immediately clear was to understand when the radio 

was on DAB or FM. It would be better having two distinct buttons for them.” 

[Dyslexia, male, 18-30 years] 

6.8.3. Physical properties of the text display 

Similar to partially sighted participants, participants from the dyslexia, dexterity 

impairment and sighted control samples were also observed to benefit from clarity of 

the text display. Whilst many of these participants would ‘make do’ with whatever type 

of text display they already had (note that many did not even use it at all) they clearly 

acknowledged some features that rendered the display more readable. Features noted 

included text size, screen size, backlit displays, and movable displays. 

6.8.3.1. Text size and style 

Whilst text style was not reported or observed to be of particular benefit to 

participants in any of the sighted samples, participants commented that larger text 

sizes were helpful to usability. 

“I can read the display. [The text is] about a centimetre big.” [Dexterity, female, 65- 

74 years] 

6.8.3.2. Screen size 

Some sighted participants reported a preference for bigger screen sizes, which in turn, 

enables larger text sizes. 

“If I had to design a radio for me I would put a bigger screen so I don’t have to 

struggle in the morning when I don’t have my [contact] lenses on […] I probably 

would keep this radio adding a bigger screen and bigger speaker.” [Control, male, 

18-30 years] 

6.8.3.3. Backlit text 

In addition to text and screen size, backlit text was also reported to improve usability. 

“The light is helpful; it doesn’t stay on all the time - after a while it switches off.” 

[Dexterity, female, 65-74 years] 

74


6.8.3.4. Movable text display 

Consistent with reports from participants in the blind and partially sighted sample, 

some sighted participants commented that the text display should be positioned so 

that it is easy to see. 

“I would prefer having the display oblique on the top so I can see it better.” 

[Control, female, 31-64 years] 

6.8.4. Default software processes 

6.8.4.1. DAB/FM mode switching 

As noted in physical characteristics of buttons above, sighted participants were as 

likely as blind and partially sighted participants to struggle with the concept of 

toggling between DAB and FM modes. 

6.8.4.2. Auto-tune 

Evidence obtained throughout the research (interviews and Short Preference Survey 

respondents) consistently indicated that tuning and setting presets needed to be easier 

for people as many relied on others to help them set up their radios. 

6.8.5. Instruction manuals 

Many sighted respondents reported never having used their instruction manual - 

instead, someone else would set up their radio. They used it only for very basic use, or 

if their ability to see the product provided key cues to use. 

6.8.5.1. Pictures and words 

In contrast to the bias towards text based instructions in the blind and partially sighted 

sample, one person with dyslexia expressed a preference for picture based instructions 

over text. Instructions provided in both words and pictures should meet different user 

needs. 

“For my dyslexia, I think that manual instructions with diagrams would be better.” 

[Dyslexia, female, 31-64 years] 

6.8.6. Packaging, hardware and basic connections for set up 

6.8.6.1. Product packaging 

There was no evidence from any of the sighted samples of accidental loss of 

components or accessories from loose packaging. 

75


6.8.6.2. Redundant ‘holes’ in hardware 

When provided with an unfamiliar radio to try, some sighted users who were less 

comfortable with technology showed similar errors to those of blind and partially 

sighted participants where they attempted to connect the cable to redundant holes. 

6.8.7. Interaction design 

6.8.7.1. Selecting stations 

Similar to the blind and partially sighted sample, some sighted participants also 

struggled with the ‘twist and push’ method to scroll through and select radio stations. 

This may be difficult to understand possibly because it uses a different procedure to 

the familiar twist-only method used with traditional analogue radios. 

“A problem of the [brand name] was to understand to press ‘select’ after choosing 

the stations you want to listen to.” [Dyslexia, male, 18-30 years] 

“The main problem is finding the way to change channel. The dial to do that has a 

label that says ‘push’; it’s quite confusing.” [Control, male, 65-74 years] 

6.8.7.2. Setting presets 

As emphasised throughout this report, a basic use of radio was the norm. Whilst 

sighted interviewees were not particularly concerned or did not express great difficulty 

in setting presets and other settings, in practice some reported that they never set up 

the radio themselves anyway. Some of the participants who could see the station being 

shown when scrolling through stations reported no need for presets. Being able to 

independently set up one’s own radio for basic use should be made as easy as possible. 

“I don’t think this radio needs preset buttons because you can already order your 

favourite stations on the tuning dial.” [Dyslexia, male, 18-30 years] 

6.8.7.3. Trouble shooting 

During the interviews, when participants were given an unfamiliar radio to explore, 

many participants were reluctant to try more advanced features that relied on prompts 

from the text display, mainly because they were unfamiliar with these functions and 

would never choose to do them themselves. A few participants who explored beyond 

basic use became stuck in menus that were difficult to exit from. This highlights the 

importance of having a button that allows the user to exit the menu and return to 

radio listening, akin to a ‘back’ button. 

76


6.8.8. Remote control interfaces 

As with the blind and partially sighted sample, most participants did not report using a 

remote control with their radio and there was no general enthusiasm for having one. 

However, where discussions took place during the interview about the potential for a 

remote control interface, some thought a remote control could make a radio easier to 

use. Reasons given were because they are so familiar and almost formulaic in their 

design nowadays (eg on/off button, channel/station up/down, volume up/down and 

navigation pad) that it may be easier to use across different types of radio. Indeed as 

noted earlier, inconsistent interface design across different radios appears to make it 

more difficult to learn how to use a new radio. Characteristics of remote controls that 

were noted by participants are incorporated in the report section on button design. 

77

7. Advanced functions 

7.1. Summary 

There were no notable differences between participants in the different samples 

with regard to their interest in advanced features (principally, electronic programme 

guide, record/playback, pause) - reactions to them were mixed across all the 

samples. 

Many participants showed no interest in advanced features either because they felt 

they had no need for them or they currently used and were comfortable with 

alternative methods. Whilst participants from the blind and partially sighted sample 

were more likely to use more traditional alternatives to the advanced functions 

offered by some DAB radios (eg tape recorders, Radio Times listings) sighted 

participants were more likely to report using the internet and podcasting. 

Others (across samples) were keen to learn more about advanced features or had 

already made use of them, particularly extra information presented on the text 

display. 

When asked to nominate the most useful features of a DAB radio, blind and partially 

sighted respondents were more likely to prioritise features that increased 

accessibility whilst sighted respondents focused less on access and more on new 

functions - although they showed no clear preference for any particular feature. 

Many blind and partially sighted participants expressed concern that advanced 

features were not accessible to them because of heavy reliance on the text display, 

and a few wondered how information like electronic programme guide information 

would ever be fully accessible whilst being easy to use. 

7.2. Blind and partially sighted people’s interest in 

advanced functions of DAB radio 

7.2.1. Advanced features were not spontaneously associated with 

DAB radio 

The majority of participants from the blind and partially sighted sample did not 

spontaneously cite advanced features (such as recording, pausing and EPG) as being 

associated with ‘digital radio’ without the interviewer first suggesting them. In most 

78


cases, participants were unaware that DAB radio afforded these extra features. When 

participants were asked about their perceptions and expectations of what digital radio 

means, they typically cited extra stations, better quality reception, novel stations not 

available on analogue, and ease of use (no fiddly tuning). 

7.2.2. Mixed reaction to advanced features of DAB radio 

For many people radio is radio - unprompted, their needs from DAB radio were 

equivalent to what they have learned to expect from analogue radio: to listen to high 

quality, interesting and entertaining programming. When advanced features were 

described to participants, reactions varied. 

“I am not interested in functions like ‘EPG’ or recording. I don’t think I would use 

them. If I want to listen to something on radio I would listen directly from it. I 

understand the recording facility for TV but not very much for radio. Pausing or 

rewinding are not features I would use.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, 

male, 65-74 years] 

7.2.2.1. Low interest 

Whilst some DAB radios can offer advanced functionality that could benefit some of 

the participants who already had alternative means to achieve the same function, many 

preferred to stick with their existing methods. These included recording onto audio 

cassette tape or other formats, downloading missed programmes from the internet, 

using an accessible Radio Times, or ‘just knowing’ when their favourite programmes 

were on. 

“I’m not interested in recording programmes and I’ve never been a fan of recording 

even when I could see. It’s not my vision that stops me recording. As regards 

finding out what is on radio, I already know that TalkSport is on every day and The 

Arrow as well for music so there is no need for me to know anything else. But it 

would be good sometimes to know if there is some episode of Bill Bailey or 

something like that. The only way I know what’s on is by the Radio Times.” [blind 

and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

“Yes I like recording programmes, I do it with an old [recording] machine. I know 

from the commercials that I could record with the digital as well. […] I can’t see 

the screen so maybe a programme guide wouldn’t be very useful for me.” [blind 

and partially sighted: mild sight loss, male, 31-64 years] 

“I would like to rewind and pause, but maybe recording directly into my radio would 

be too complicated for me. I am used to my cassettes.” [blind and partially sighted: 


79


7.2.2.2. Recognition of potential benefits 

Some participants were keen to learn about advanced features, wondering if their DAB 

radio might indeed support them. Whether or not blind and partially sighted 

participants would actually be able to access them is unknown. The extent to which 

older users would use these features is questionable, given their generally restricted 

DAB use and their reported reliance on others for using technology. 

“Recording on my radio would be brilliant. I would probably use it even if I don’t 

understand this kind of thing. I used to be quite comfortable with technology. 

I would like to pause.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, female, 65-74 

years] 

“Things like pausing or rewinding are a bonus and a nice having it but I already 

have problems in presetting my radio. I think that when technology moves on, 

visually impaired people are often in trouble with it.” [blind and partially sighted: 

moderate sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“I think that my radio has the record function but I’ve never tried it. When I will 

have more time I think I will do it.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, 

male, 18-30 years]. 

7.2.2.3. Limited usage amongst those motivated to use advanced features 

Only a few people thought they had explored all the functions supported by their DAB 

radio. In some instances, taking part in the interview indeed spurred them on to check 

what their DAB radios could actually offer. A few participants commented 

spontaneously on the extra information provided on the text display (eg title/artist of 

current track, DJ). Some valued this added feature, citing it as a light-hearted way of 

resolving debate in the home over the artist of any particular song. For partially 

sighted users the display characteristics were key to their accessibility. 

“I like the pause function even if I don’t use it a lot […] I think I have explored 

everything on my digital radio: the pause, record function, tuning, preset, volume, 

tone, on/off.” [blind and partially sighted: mild sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“The [brand name] has more functions like the recording or rewind ones; it also has 

a flashcard where you can save the recording. It could be really useful but I don’t 

use it because it’s frustrating.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 

18-30 years] 

One respondent to the Short Preference Survey reported difficulty in understanding 

how to delete the right programme from their memory card and had to return to the 

shop for assistance. 

80


7.3. Sighted people’s interest in advanced functions of 

DAB radio 

7.3.1. Mixed reaction to advanced features of DAB radio 

Similar to the blind and partially sighted sample, there was mixed reaction by sighted 

interviewees to advanced features of DAB radio: many considered advanced features to 

be superfluous to DAB use. 

“I used to record in the past but not any more […] I wouldn’t be interested in the 

pause function. I don’t look at the screen I have on the radio. I am quite happy 

with what I have. I could also use my radio with my eyes shut. […] I have never 

had any problem with my radio; it’s very easy to use. I just use the dial and the on 

button. I know what I want and how to get it.” [Dexterity, female, 75+ years] 

“I am convinced that people want really simple pieces of equipment; they don’t 

want extra functionality. They don’t want to pay more for something they will 

probably never use. […] I believe radio is a media for the masses, and masses most 

of the time don’t have the technical knowledge or simply they don’t want 

something complex. […] I don’t tend to look at the display. I am usually the kind 

of person that explores the technology it has, but not with the radio. I just use the 

on button, volume dial and tuning buttons, that’s it.” [Control, male, 18-30 years] 

“I don’t look at the screen. I don’t need my radio to be interactive.” [Control, female, 

18-30 years] 

“We don’t use the EPG [Electronic Programme Guide]. I already know what to listen 

to. […] I think one of the reasons why I don’t record now is because I think in the 

past it was easier. You had a standard cassette for every device. Now the memory 

cards are all different. Moreover, the few times we recorded something from the 

TV we didn’t watch it. I am not interested in pausing either.” [Control, male, 65-74 

years] 

“I am happy with what I have, I don’t think I need more. I like the idea of pausing 

but I don’t feel the necessity of it.” [Control, female, 65-74 years] 

“I don’t think I would be interested in an EPG because I buy a radio schedule 

anyway. I don’t think I would record into my radio even if I could.” [Control, male, 

31-64 years] 

81


“Most of the days I check the radio guide in the newspaper, but I know when some 

of the programmes I like come on. The idea of an EPG is good but you have to 

have the radio on to know what is going on, so I prefer to look in the newspaper.” 

[Control, female, 65-74 years] 

“Memory card on radio is a good idea, maybe I could use it. I like the idea of 

pausing, I use it on [TV on] Sky+ but I am not sure I would use it on radio. I have 

managed without it so far. I don’t want to make my life complicated.” [Dexterity, 

female, 65-74 years] 

7.3.2. Use of digital audio alternatives to advanced DAB functions 

For sighted participants, the internet and podcasting were more frequently mentioned 

alternatives to using advanced DAB functionality. Whilst participants from the blind 

and partially sighted sample reported using more traditional media (eg audio cassette) 

to achieve the same functions offered by DAB radios with advanced features, sighted 

participants more often sighted the internet and podcasting. 

“I don’t record from radio, the podcast is easier to use. I listen to radio from the 

internet sometimes.” [Dyslexia, male, 18-30 years] 

“I think I have never recorded. I go for the podcast instead, it’s easier. I remember a 

day when I really wanted a record facility or a pause for a show I wanted to listen 

to and I couldn’t, but in the end I found an alternative way to listen to it.” 

[Control, male, 18-30 years] 

7.4. Survey respondents’ prioritisation of advanced DAB 

features 

Respondents to the Short Preference Survey were presented with nine DAB radio 

features (accessible user manual; voice output for button presses/functions altered; 

voice output for text display information; clock; pause live radio; record and playback; 

easy way to store presets, electronic were provided where necessary. Respondents were 

asked to nominate up to five features that they would find most useful to have with a 

DAB radio. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, large proportions of blind and partially sighted participants 

nominated features that can directly affect their access to DAB radio: voice output for 

button presses (92 per cent); user manual in alternative formats (81 per cent); and 

voice output for the information on the screen (72 per cent). It is important to note 

that both voice output options were very frequently nominated. Voice output for 

82


button presses was more frequently nominated than was voice output for the 

information on the screen, possibly because blind and partially sighted people are used 

to not having access to on-screen information, but have to be able to press the right 

buttons to control a radio. Of the more advanced functions (EPG, record/playback, 

pause), the record/playback feature was most popular amongst the blind and partially 

sighted sample, endorsed by almost half of them (49 per cent) (see Figure 7.1). 

In contrast, for the nationally representative sample, when the features were rank 

ordered by popularity, the voice output features and accessible user manual were less 

frequently selected. In fact, the accessible user manual (32 per cent), voice output for 

button presses/function (24 per cent) and voice output for text display information 

(27 per cent) were ranked in the bottom three of the list. Sighted consumers gave 

more variable reports of their desired functionalities - there was no clear ‘winning’ 

feature - indicated by a more even spread of percentage responses to the different 

features. For this sample, ‘clock’ was endorsed most often (47 per cent), jointly 

followed by ‘pause’ (44 per cent) and ‘easy presets’ (44 per cent) and then closely 

followed by ‘EPG’ (43 per cent) and ‘record and playback’ (42 per cent) (see Figure 

7.1/Results table [AB7.1] in Appendix B). 

83


Figure 7.1 Which five of the following nine features are most useful? 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

A B C D E F G H I 


blind and partially sighted sample: no voice output (n=58) 

blind and partially sighted sample: voice ouput (n=42) 

Features 

A – Accessible user manual 

B – Voice output: button presses/functions 

C – Voice output: text display info 

D – Clock 

E – Pause 

F – Record/playback 

G – Easy presets 

H – EPG 

I – Sleep 

84


7.5. Equipment considerations to make advanced 

functionality accessible to blind and partially sighted 

consumers 

7.5.1. Features specified in relation to core functionality are important for 

making advanced functions accessible 

To improve accessibility to the advanced functions, many equipment considerations 

relating to the various core equipment considerations specified in the last chapter need 

to be implemented (Chapter 6). 

In addition, as advanced features are still relatively new to the DAB radio market, many 

participants (across all the samples) were happy to continue to use alternative methods 

(eg Radio Times or internet instead of the EPG function), or they were unsure if their 

radios actually supported the new features. Those that had used them did not use 

them regularly. This could be due to participants’ expectations of radio - most 

expected to simply listen to it - or related to usability - for instance, labelling may not 

be sufficiently clear or the process of accessing them may be too complex. 

7.5.2. Characteristics of the text display and voice output 

Access to many advanced features of digital radio equipment tends to rely heavily on 

menus, and the text display. These features are therefore currently impossible for most 

blind people to access even though some reported wanting them. For partially sighted 

people, characteristics of the text display that improve readability are key to 

accessibility. Many blind and partially sighted participants from the interviews and 

Short Preference Survey felt that voice output for information on the screen was the 

principle means of enabling access to those features. As there were no radios on the 

market at the time of data collection that have both advanced features and voice 

output, this could not be tested in this study. 

“Anyway, even if you have different shaped buttons, you have to remember them, 

so the speech [voice output] is better.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight 

loss, female, 65-74 years] 

A discussion on the impact of voice output on independent use of DAB radio and its 

other benefits is presented in full in the next chapter (Chapter 8). The remaining 

discussion in this chapter will relate to issues raised by participants in the research 

about how to best design voice output to access advanced features. 

85


7.5.3. Concerns about voice output for advanced features 

Some blind and partially sighted respondents queried whether voice output would be 

appropriate for advanced features. Indeed, extra comments made by blind and partially 

sighted respondents during the Short Preference Survey indicated that whilst voice 

output for the information on the screen would be helpful, and for some, essential, 

some respondents noted that a continual stream of this type of voice output would 

interrupt the broadcast programme. 

Some were concerned that adding voice output would push up the price of the DAB 

radio. 

7.5.4. Customisation of voice output for advanced features 

Adjustable voice output speeds, detail and styles might accommodate different user 

needs and appeal to a wider market. Some participants expressed a preference for 

voice output facilities to be adjustable in the level of verbosity. There was evidence 

from the blind and partially sighted sample of using voice output computers with 

adjustable voice speeds. One young blind user was listening to his PC voice output at a 

speed that was incomprehensible to the interviewer but perfectly acceptable to the 

user with his faster auditory processing skills. 

Customisable voice output settings such as customisable voice style option (eg voice 

used, recording own voice tags, downloadable voices) were noted as potentially ‘nice 

to have’. 

7.5.5. Voice output as default 

Voice output used to communicate information carried on the electronic text display 

was valued by many blind and partially sighted users with this feature on their DAB 

radios. Blind and partially sighted users would benefit where the default setting is for 

voice output to be active, and it could then be switched off by those not interested 

in it. 

7.5.6. Natural sounding voice output 

Comments from participants indicated that spelling out words was annoying; voice 

output should use full words, sound like a real person’s voice, and be adjustable (with 

different levels of speech verbosity available for selection by the user). 

86


7.6. Equipment considerations for usability of advanced functionality for 

sighted consumers 

Participants with dyslexia, manual dexterity impairment and the sighted controls 

reported, or were observed to, benefit from easier to see text displays and easier to 

understand processes to access and use advanced features. 

There was low awareness and use of advanced features across the sighted samples and 

no notable differences emerged to suggest different equipment considerations for the 

different sighted user groups. 

Raising awareness and usability of the advanced features would support the needs of 

sighted users. Considerations that impact on usability relate to features of the text 

display, button labelling and more intuitive processes. For instance, some sighted 

interviewees who were presented with the most advanced radio to trial, found direct 

recording relatively straightforward and intuitive (press the red ‘record’ button) but all 

participants struggled with accessing the programme they had recorded. One 

interviewee became ‘stuck’ in a menu and was unable to exit back to listening to 

the radio. 

87

8. Consumer reaction to voice output 

8.1. Summary 

Blind and partially sighted interviewees and Short Preference Survey respondents 

were impressed with voice output for digital radios and felt that it made radio more 

accessible and usable to them. 

Sighted interviewees (irrespective of their sub-sample) could appreciate the value of 

voice output to people who are blind and partially sighted and some reported 

interest in having this feature themselves. 

For blind and partially sighted users, compared with digital radios without voice 

output, having voice output increased independent use of digital radio and reduced 

the likelihood of having difficulty with using the radio and of asking for someone’s 

help when faced with use difficulties. However, they still slightly e more likely to call 

a telephone helpline for advice, but this remained a low proportion of the sample. 

Other benefits to blind and partially sighted consumers noted in this research were 

that having voice output increased awareness of the functionalities their DAB radios 

offered, and increased positive opinion about the usability of DAB radio in general. 

8.2. Overwhelmingly positive feedback 

Participants from the interviews and Short Preference Survey were extremely positive 

about their digital radios with voice output. Many felt that this was the only way for 

them to access some of the features. 

“DAB is really easy, but without the voice [output] facility I would just be able to 

use the presets.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 31-64 

years] 

“I think the [DAB with voice output] is a great product. I have never heard a single 

complaint about it. I think it’s a product that everybody can use. It is not just good 

for blind or partially sighted but for elderly or kids as well. It probably just needed 

to be more advertised.” [blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, male, 18-30 

years] 

“In a list of priorities for blind people, I would put in first place audio instructions; 

the second is a good voice facility. […] In designing technologies for people with 

visual impairment, it is necessary to consider all the levels of impairment because 

88

8. Customer reaction to voice output 

the range is really big and every level needs attention.” [blind and partially sighted: 

severe sight loss, male, 65-74 years] 

And in at least one instance, voice output was reported to override other design 

considerations. 

“The same size of the buttons is not a problem with the [DAB with voice output] 

because you have the speech. Anyway, even if you have different shape buttons 

you have to remember them, so the speech is better in any case.” [blind and 

partially sighted: severe sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

8.3. Interest in adoption of DAB radios with voice 

output 

Blind and partially sighted participants who did not have DAB radios with voice output 

were interested in getting one. 

“I can’t use the text display at all. A voice [output] facility would be really useful.” 

[blind and partially sighted: moderate sight loss, female, 18-30 years] 

Some sighted participants could see personal benefits to DAB radios with voice output 

in some circumstances. It was interesting to observe sighted participants’ reactions to a 

voice output DAB radio. Most did not explicitly notice the voice output at first; clearly 

it felt a quite natural experience. During discussions some sighted participants could 

identify examples from their lives where voice output would be a useful feature to 

have. Whether or not this opinion would translate into purchase behaviour is difficult 

to ascertain, particularly as the sighted sample were generally more cost sensitive. 

“I would have the speech on my car radio.” [Control, male, 18-30 years] 

“I like the fact that it speaks, I find it very informative.” [Control, female, 31-64 

years] 

“…[with the DAB radio] I need my glasses to change channel.” [Dexterity, female, 

65-74 years] 

89


8.4. Voice output and blind and partially sighted 

respondents’ independent use of DAB radio 

8.4.1. Sighted respondents more likely to report independent DAB 

radio use 

As a baseline from which to compare the impact of voice output on independent use, 

the blind and partially sighted DAB sample were less able than the nationally 

representative, sighted, sample to use their radios completely independently. 

Data from the Short Preference Survey were explored in different ways (see Section 

3.2.4). Overall, irrespective of whether their radio had voice output or not, the blind 

and partially sighted sample were more likely to have needed someone’s help to 

complete any of a range of tasks with their DAB radio both for the first time they used 

it (69 per cent needed help at least once), or any subsequent time (48 per cent). In 

contrast 39 per cent of the nationally representative sample needed someone’s help 

with at least one task for first time use, then 17 per cent for subsequent use. 

In terms of basic tasks (items a-l for first time use, and a-k for subsequent use, see 

section 3.2.3.), 69 per cent of the blind and partially sighted sample as a whole 

needed someone’s help for the first time they used it, and 48 per cent needed help for 

subsequent basic use. Note. these figures are identical to those for the full range of 

tasks. These compare with 32 per cent of the nationally representative sample needing 

help with basic tasks for first time use, and 14 per cent for subsequent use (see Table 

8.1). 

Table 8.1 Proportion of samples requiring assistance with at least one DAB 

radio task 

First time use 

Subsequent use 

Any task 

(19 items) 

Any basic 

task 

(12 items) 

Any task 

(18 items) 

Any basic 

task 

(11 items) 

Nationally 

representative sample 

Blind and partially 

sighted sample 

39% 32% 17% 14% 

69% 69% 48% 48% 

90


8.4.2. Voice output increases extent of independent use for blind and 

partially sighted respondents 

Blind and partially sighted respondents using DAB radios with voice output used radio 

much more independently than those without voice output DAB radios. As indicated in 

Figure 8.1 (and Results table [AB8.1] in Appendix B), blind and partially sighted 

respondents without voice output DAB radios were more than twice as likely than their 

counterparts with voice output DAB radios to report needing help with either any task, 

or any basic tasks, both for first time use, and subsequently. In fact the figures for 

independent use amongst the blind and partially sighted sample with voice output 

were more similar to the nationally representative sample than they were to the blind 

and partially sighted sample who had a radio without voice output. 

Figure 8.1 Proportion of samples requiring any help for first time use and 

subsequent use, with any task and any basic task 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

Any help Any help Any help Any help 

needed: needed: needed: needed: 

any task basic task any task basic task 

(0–19) (0–12) (0–18) (0–11) 





blind and partially sighted sample: voice output (n=42) 

91


Statistical analyses using Pearson chi squared tests indicated that the nationally 

representative sample were significantly less likely to report needing any help from 

another person than the blind and partially sighted sample reporting on a DAB radio 

without voice output. This difference was significant for first and subsequent use, 

across basic and any task (First use, basic tasks: Chi squared = 62.3 (df = 1), p


Figure 8.2 average number of tasks for which help from someone else was 

needed by each sample 

Number of tasks 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Help Help Help Help 

needed: needed: needed: needed: 

any task basic tasks any task basic tasks 

(0–19) (0–12) (0–18) (0–11) 






8.4.4 Voice output reduced reports of difficulties 

Having a DAB radio with voice output reduced the likelihood of experiencing 

complications such as getting lost in a menu. Of all blind and partially sighted 

participants, those reporting on DAB radios with voice output (VO) were significantly 

less likely than those without voice output (noVO) to either: 

(a) get lost in a menu (noVO: 60 per cent versus VO: 36 per cent: Chi squared = 5.9 

(df = 1), p


However of all blind and partially sighted participants, those reporting on DAB radios 

with voice output were more likely (though not significantly) than those without voice 

output to report finding that a setting had changed when neither they nor anyone else 

had appeared to press any buttons (noVO: 22 per cent versus VO: 31 per cent: Chi 

squared = 0.9 (df = 1), ns). This is likely to be a model specific issue, as there was only 

one DAB radio model with voice output at the time of data gathering. Equivalent 

proportions of blind and partially sighted sub-samples with and without voice output 

DAB radios reported ‘other’ difficulties, not otherwise specified (both 38 per cent). 

In comparison, the nationally representative sample was least likely of all groups to 

report experiencing any of these difficulties. The most frequently endorsed difficulty 

for this sample was to accidentally change a setting (33 per cent) and nearly one in 

five (19 per cent) reporting getting lost in a menu even though they had no reported 

sight problems (see Figure 8.3/Results table [AB8.3] in Appendix B). 

The nationally representative sample were significantly less likely than both blind and 

partially sighted sub-samples to report getting lost in a menu (without VO: Chi squared 

= 39.3 (df = 1), p


Figure 8.3 Thinking of when you have used your digital radio, please indicate 

which, if any, of the following have happened 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

Lost in Accidentally Setting changed Other 

a menu changed without touching difficulty 




8.4.5. Voice output reduced reliance on others to help with difficulties 

For the blind and partially sighted sample, having a DAB radio with voice output 

hugely reduces reliance on others for help. As indicated in Figure 8.4 (and Results 

table [AB8.4] in Appendix B), having a DAB radio with voice output increases 

independent use of radio in terms of typical troubleshooting. 

Most strikingly, of respondents reporting some difficulty, blind and partially sighted 

respondents with voice output DAB radios were more than three times less likely to ask 

for help from a friend, family member or housemate than were respondents with DAB 

radios without voice output. In fact those with voice output DAB radios were even less 

likely than the nationally representative sample to ask for someone else’s help. Those 

with voice output DAB radios were also less likely than those without voice output 

DAB radios and the nationally representative sample to rely on hopeful button 

pressing. 

95


Compared to blind and partially users reporting on DAB radios without voice output 

DAB, those with voice output were less likely to refer to the instructions manual, or to 

switch the radio off and on again. Relative to those without voice output, blind and 

partially sighted respondents with voice output DAB radios were more likely to report 

calling a telephone helpline for advice - though it is important to note that this 

remained a low proportion of the sample, and may have reflected specific issues 

relating to the one model of DAB radio with voice output that participants were 

reporting on. 

Figure 8.4 When any of the above (difficulties) have happened, which of the 

following steps have you taken to try and fix the problem? 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

Hopeful Switch Ask for Refer Call Look Other 

button radio local to user helpline online 

pressing off/on help manual 


blind and partially sighted sample: no voice ouput (n=53 


96


8.4.6. Voice output increased blind and partially sighted respondents 

awareness of their radio’s functionality 

Blind and partially sighted respondents reporting on voice output DAB radios were 

aware of more features on their DAB radio than were blind and partially sighted 

respondents without voice output. Respondents to the Short Preference Survey were 

asked to indicate which of a series of nine additional features they thought their radio 

supported: 

operating instructions in alternative formats 

voice output for all button presses/functions 

voice output for the text display 

clock 

pause live radio 

record function 

easy way to store presets 

electronic programme guide 

sleep function. 

Whilst this question could elicit from respondents the features actually offered by their 

DAB radio, it was designed to elicit respondents’ familiarity with the product they use. 

This is particularly the case in the light of the discussions presented in earlier chapters 

showing that participants’ use of any advanced functions through their radios is very 

limited. Respondents using more accessible and usable equipment were expected to be 

more aware of which features their equipment supports, even if they choose not to use 

the features. The total number of additional features that each respondent reported 

was calculated. 

The nationally representative sample reported an average of four features. For the 

blind and partially sighted sample, those with voice output on their DAB radio reported 

having significantly more features than those without voice output (average of 5.5 vs. 

1.7 features; t(93.2)=-17.0, p. < 0.01). The difference in means is more than 2 (which 

would account for endorsing the two voice output related items) thus those with DAB 

radios with voice output were still more likely to report more DAB radio features. A 

second analysis which removed the two voice output options from the total number of 

DAB radio features revealed that even when voice output options are excluded, the 

blind and partially sighted sample reporting on DAB radios with voice output still 

97


reported significantly more features than those without voice output on their DAB 

radios (average of 3.8 vs. 1.7 features; t(82.8)=-10.0, p. < 0.01). This possibly reflects 

a relationship between accessibility and awareness; it is more difficult to know what 

features your radio supports if you cannot easily access those features. 

8.4.7. Perceived limitations of voice output 

A proportion of blind and partially sighted respondents with voice output DAB radios 

did not consider that their radios supported voice output for all information on the text 

display. The DAB radio with voice output on the market at the time of the project’s 

fieldwork offered voice output for button pressing, menu navigation, and information 

on the screen. However, some blind and partially sighted participants reporting on this 

DAB radio failed to report that their radio offered voice output for all the information 

on the text display. There were several reasons identified. Whilst all participants 

acknowledged that there was some voice output for the text display, some reported 

being unable to verify the accuracy and completeness of the voice output 

representation of the text. They claimed that as they couldn’t see the screen, they 

couldn’t check whether there was voice output for all information on the text display. 

Others had checked this with a sighted companion and reported knowing that the 

voice output did not provide a comprehensive report on the text display output. A 

third group of people reported that because of the tendency for the radio to spell out 

words at times, they did not consider this to be a fully functioning voice output 

facility. 

8.5. Voice output and perceived ease of use 

8.5.1. Voice output is a major benefit to blind and partially sighted 

participants 

The voice output facility hugely facilitated ease-of-use for our sample of blind and 

partially sighted people. Not everyone agreed that voice output was important, 

however. Those that viewed it as less important appeared to either have close support 

from a sighted person (eg partner) or were happier to rely on other people and used 

their radio for only very basic use. Participants who strived for independence valued 

voice output more. Some commented that for this feature to be useful there should be 

a means of adjusting the level of output. And one participant reported that having 

voice output slowed down the process of changing channel. 

“I have two DAB radios. One is the [voice output DAB] and I bought it for its 

accessibility […] I use DAB more now with the [voice output] because before it 

98


was difficult to remember where I had preset the stations.” [blind and partially 

sighted: severe sight loss, male, 18-30 years] 

“Comparing the [voice output model] with the [Brand A] and the old analogue, I 

would say it [voice output model] is the easiest to use. You just need to press a 

button and you know what you pressed, where you are, etcetera. The [voice 

output model] is slower than the [Brand A] in changing channel because of the 

speech.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, female, 65-74 years] 

“I have a talking kitchen [devices in the kitchen that offer voice output], but I don’t 

think I need a talking radio. I already know what and when to listen to the 

different programmes. Furthermore, the radio already tells me what’s going on and 

I also have [my wife] who helps me when I need.” [blind and partially sighted: 


“I bought the [model with voice output] because I realised that I was missing many 

things.” [blind and partially sighted: severe sight loss, male, 75+ years] 

8.5.2. Voice output DAB radios are easy to use 

All blind and partially sighted users with voice output DAB radios agreed that these 

radios were easy to use. The nationally representative sample reported positively on 

their radio’s usability; 48 per cent agreed and 36 per cent strongly agreed (total of 84 

per cent) that their DAB radio was easy to use. In comparison, far fewer of the blind 

and partially sighted sample without voice output DAB radios agreed or strongly 

agreed that their radio was easy to use (only 59 per cent). However, one hundred per 

cent of the blind and partially sighted sample using DAB radios with voice output 

agreed (17 per cent) or strongly agreed (83 per cent) that their voice output DAB 

radio was easy to use - demonstrating that voice output improves blind and partially 

sighted people’s perceptions of the ease of use of DAB radios (see Figure 8.5/Results 

table [AB8.5] in Appendix B). 

99


Figure 8.5 To what extent do you agree or disagree that the DAB digital radio 

you are answering this survey about is easy to use? 


100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Agree Don’t 

disagree changed agree nor strongly know 

disagree 



blind and partially sighted sample: voice ouput (n=42) 

8.5.3. Voice output DAB radio owners are more likely to agree DAB is 

easier to use than analogue radio 

Of the blind and partially sighted sample, those reporting on DAB radios with voice 

output were more likely than those without voice output to rate DAB radios in general 

as easier to use than analogue ones. Overall, sighted respondents were more likely 

than the blind and partially sighted respondents to agree that DAB radios are easier to 

use than analogue ones (59 per cent of sighted controls agree/strongly agree versus 

38 per cent of blind and partially sighted respondents as a whole). 

However, blind and partially sighted respondents who had reported on a radio with 

voice output were more likely to show a more positive bias towards the usability of 

DAB radios in general (45 per cent agree DAB radios are easier to use than analogue 

100


ones) compared with blind and partially sighted respondents reporting on a DAB radio 

without voice output (31 per cent). 

Indeed across all respondents, a positive experience with the DAB radio that 

respondents reported on was significantly associated with a positive report of DAB 

radio compared with analogue radios (r=0.41, p

9. Priorities for accessible and usable DAB 

radios for blind and partially sighted people 

9.1. Summary 

The consumer research approaches (in-depth interviews and Short Preference 

Survey) defined and refined a set of design considerations. These are presented in 

full in the form of a checklist below. 

Insights from consumers’ experiences - their behaviour with their existing and a 

different DAB radio that the researchers asked them to use, along with their 

comments (positive and negative) - have informed the checklist and have been 

described throughout this report in context. 

Analysis of the in-depth interviews identified a range of equipment needs (product 

design considerations) that would improve access to DAB radio equipment for blind 

and partially sighted consumers, and usability for sighted consumers. 

The design considerations are presented in a prioritised form (high, medium and 

low) to support the comparative evaluation of digital radio equipment and to inform 

the development of more usable products (for both sighted and blind and partially 

sighted consumers). In the checklist, items labelled as “1” are top priority, “2” 

medium priority and “3” lowest priority respectively. 

Requirements were given a higher priority if they facilitated access to and use of 

basic functions, and if those tasks were typical of day-to-day use. 

The priority ratings were agreed between the two interviewers on the project, after 

each had independently rated each checklist item based on their experience of the 

fieldwork. 

The methods used to define the checklist items, and to assign their priority levels, is 

the same that i2 media research has used in previous research for Ofcom and DTI 

(BERR). 

102

9. Priorities for accessible and usable DAB radios 

9.2. The checklist and priority levels 

1 is high, 2 is medium, 3 is low 

A 

A1 

A2 

A3 

A4 

A5 

A6 

Installation 

All package contents besides the radio itself (eg A/C cable, paper 

and other documents that accompany the product such as 

guarantees, instructions, CDs) are contained within a plastic wallet 

with the main product. 

Instructions 

Electronic alternative formats of paper-based instructions (eg 

audio, url link) are available online. 

User is informed that at least one alternative format other than 

paper-based instructions is included within packaging (eg large 

print, CD, braille, audio tape formats) and others are available on 

request. 

At least one form of an instructions manual in plain English is 

present (ideally clear print paper copy, tape cassette, CD). 

Installation instructions are presented in words and pictures. 

Standard paper-based installation instructions that use both text 

and picture format can benefit partially sighted people and those 

with dyslexia who may need to use them 

Installation instructions are only for the specific model which they 

accompany. 

3 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

A7 Installation instructions are in users’ local language. 2 

A8 Installation steps follow a logical order. 2 

A9 

Regardless of the format they are presented in, instructions are 

provided that enable the user to identify the functions of various 

buttons on the hardware (and remote control, where present). 

2 

103


A10 

A11 

A12 

A13 

Basic connections/physical set-up 

All redundant holes on product are covered, limiting the number 

of ports which might be thought of as connection ports to 

those required for full use of the product. 

It is not possible to insert incorrect cables/connectors into any 

sockets on the hardware. Notes: In interview trials with 

unfamiliar radio equipment, we observed participants 

attempting to connect the A/C cable to any feasible hole on the 

product via trial and error. 

The aerial can be released from its resting position and 

extended with ease. 

If a battery panel is present, a tactile means is provided for 

users to locate the battery panel guides. 

2 

2 

2 

2 

A14 

If a battery panel is present, a tactile means is provided for 

users to identify correct orientation for inserting batteries. 

2 

B 

B1 

B2 

General characteristics and use 

General 

The combination of the finish and the material from which the 

radio hardware is made of does not produce glare in the range 

of normal lighting conditions (eg shiny, metallic). 

The radio hardware designed so that when a user presses any 

button(s) on the radio’s front, the radio does not fall over. 

2 

1 

104


Button characteristics 

B3 All buttons elicit a clear haptic (touch) click when pressed. 1 

B4 

B5 

B6 

B7 

B8 

B9 

B10 

B11 

All buttons elicit an audible click when pressed. 

No buttons are overly sensitive to the extent that they are 

accidentally pressed when a user is exploring the equipment by 

touch. 

Any navigation type keys (arrows up/down/left and right) are 

shaped consistent with their function (eg triangular points). 

Any toggle button switches between only two states (e.g, voice 

output on, voice output off). 

Buttons to operate the most frequently used (basic) operations 

[power on/off/standby, volume up/down, station up/down] are 

more distinctive (using larger size, unique shape and/or texture) 

than those that operate less frequently used (advanced) 

operations. 

Dial controls that operate any function use tactile markers to 

indicate lowest and highest position, and current position of the 

dial, and/or use haptic or auditory clicks as they scroll through 

positions. 

Buttons/controls are rear lit (illuminated from behind) to ease 

identification. 

Button grouping and spacing 

No two buttons are so close in proximity that pressing one button 

results in the simultaneous pressing of another. 

1 

3 

2 

1 

2 

2 

1 

B12 No button relies solely on colour to make it distinctive. 1 

B13 

B14 

There is variation in size and shape of buttons across 

functional groups. 

Spaces within and between functional groupings enable users to 

identify and navigate functional groupings by touch. 

1 

1 

105


Button labels 

B15 Button labels contrast strongly against the background colour. 1 

B16 Button labels use lower case text. 2 

B17 

B18 

Button labels use sans serif fonts (ie those without details at the 

extremities of characters). 

Button labels are positioned unambiguously in relation to their 

respective button (either on the button or closer to their target 

button than to any other button). 

2 

1 

B19 All button labels are intuitive and unambiguous 1 

B20 The function of all buttons is made clear from the user manual. 1 

Electronic text display 

B21 

B22 

B23 

The electronic text display uses strongly contrasting light text 

against dark background. 

User is able to reverse the colour scheme on the electronic text 

display. 

The electronic text display minimises the use of scrolling/flashing 

text of which the movement can not be controlled by the user. 

Notes: It is likely that less text movement will be required when 

the electronic text display is larger. 

1 

2 

2 

B24 

The electronic text display uses sans serif text of as large a size as 

feasible given display constraints. 

Voice output 

1 

B25 Voice output is included as a feedback option. 1 

B26 

B27 

A voice output interface is used to communicate information 

carried on the electronic text display. 

Where voice output is provided, the default setting is for the voice 

output to be active. 

2 

2 

B28 Voice output uses full words rather than spelling out words. 2 

B29 Voice output sounds like a real person’s voice. 2 

106


B30 Voice output can be toggled on or off. 2 

B31 

Different levels of voice output can be selected by the user.(eg 

voice output can be set to basic output only, through to full menu 

output via voice, and additionally detailed usage instructions via 

voice can be selected when wanted by the user.) 

2 

B32 The speed of voice output can be adjusted. 3 

B33 

B34 

The voice used by the voice output can be selected by the user 

from a variety of voice options. 

The voice used by the voice output can be customised by the user 

(ie the user can record their own voice tags). 

3 

3 

C 

C1 

Basic tasks 

Basic tasks: Switching on 

The ‘power on/standby’ button is distinguishable from the other 

buttons because it is either larger and/or positioned in a 

predictable location (top, bottom, corners), and/or is positioned 

noticeably farther away from any other buttons or clusters of 

buttons. 

2 

C2 

The ‘power on/standby’ button is labelled ‘on’ ‘on/off’ and/or 

uses the internationally recognised standby symbol. 

2 

C3 

The button label is closer to its respective button than any other 

button; the label is not equidistant between buttons. 

2 

C4 

C5 

The receiver returns to its last used state when turned on (after 

first use) 

The receiver includes a ‘home’ button to immediately return the 

user to listening to the last listened to radio station if the user 

gets lost in menus. 

1 

2 

107


Basic tasks: First time tuning 

C6 

Radio default (factory setting) is to DAB at first use (if FM is also 

available). 

C7 C2b A method of switching between DAB and any analogue 

states is used that does not rely on a toggle. 

1 

2 

C8 

When a user switches between DAB and any analogue states, 

appropriate feedback is provided (eg voice output, beeps…, 

suggestions from short preference survey). 

2 

C9 Radio default (factory setting) is to auto-tune at first use. 1 

Basic tasks: Changing radio station 

C10 

C11 

C12 

C13 

C14 

C15 

If numeric keys 1-9 are used, they should be positioned in 3 rows 

of numbers, with ‘1’ at the top left and ‘9’ at the bottom right. 

The ‘0’ (zero) key should be on an additional row beneath these 

three rows, underneath the ‘8’ button. 

A number ‘5’ button should have a raised nib as an identifier, 

consistent with the European Telecommunications Standards 

Institute (ETSI) standard for tactile identifiers ES 201 381. 

Design feature(s) is (are) incorporated to keep users informed 

during delays in feedback (eg instant audio feedback when user 

has activated a station switch, especially to a station on a different 

multiplex, to fill the delay gap; examples may include beeps, white 

noise, voice message indicating station change in progress). 

Design feature(s) is (are) incorporated to provide feedback when a 

user has pressed a button that will result in a station change; this 

type of feedback being unique to this function. 

User manual/instructions (and voice output, where present) must 

specify whether a user needs to press a button/depress a knob to 

select a channel whose position has been navigated to. 

Basic tasks: Changing volume 

If two buttons are used to change volume, the volume increase 

button should be positioned above or to the right of the volume 

decrease button. 

1 

1 

2 

2 

2 

1 

108


C16 

C17 

D 

D1 

The volume increase/decrease buttons should be labelled 

‘volume’, ‘vol’ or ‘v’, with ‘+’ or ‘up’ and ‘-’ or ‘down’ to indicate 

direction. 

The volume increase/decrease buttons have tactile markings or 

tactile labels (not braille as this is only understood by a minority). 

Advanced tasks 

Advanced tasks: setting presets 

Equipment has a function that automatically sets presets.Possibly 

via a simple process for storing presets on a ‘store as preset’ or ‘do 

not store as preset’ basis for available stations. 

1 

2 

2 

D2 

D3 

D4 

D5 

Advanced tasks: pausing 

The equipment supports voice output of its pausing functions and 

menus. 

Advanced tasks: recording 

The equipment supports voice output of its recording functions 

and menus. 

No other specific suggestions at present, beyond standard buttons 

identification and manipulation, and voice output elements 

(above). 

Advanced tasks: using EPG 

The equipment supports voice output of Electronic Programme 

Guide content. 



(above). 

Advanced tasks: other (eg navigating menus) 

The equipment supports voice output of its menus. 



(above). 

3 

3 

3 

2 

109

10. Insights from DAB industry interviews 

10.1. Research questions 

As outlined in the methods section to this report (see Chapter 3), the project included 

industry research to understand (a) the extent to which accessibility considerations for 

blind and partially sighted people are built into the product design and development 

processes for consumer digital radio equipment; (b) any industry standards used in 

these processes; (c) the barriers cited by industry interviewees to developing consumer 

digital radio equipment that is accessible to blind and partially sighted people, and (d) 

any solutions. 

10.2. Motivation for the industry interviews 

Given that the current project was designed to identify a broad range of equipment 

needs from accessible digital radio equipment for blind and partially sighted 

consumers, a valuable extension of the project scope was to take the findings to 

industry with the goal of understanding the barriers they cite to addressing the needs. 

When commissioning this project, RNIB was also aware of Ofcom’s 2007 publication of 

a commissioned audit of research on ease of use issues with domestic electronic 

communications equipment carried out by independent consultants (George and 

Lennard, 2007). One of the audit’s conclusions was that there was little research 

available in the public domain to establish how internal corporate policies support or 

hinder companies in addressing usability and accessibility, and that this constituted a 

research gap. The industry interviews in the current project stood to gain insight on 

this question in relation to the needs of blind and partially sighted people. i2 media 

research has recently completed a related research project for Ofcom’s Advisory 

Committee on Older and Disabled people, focused more broadly across different media 

(radio and television broadcasting, fixed and mobile telecommunications, and online). 

The findings of both research activities are supportive of each other, and the interested 

reader is referred to the i2 report to be published by Ofcom’s ACOD in Q4 2008. 

10.3. Main themes observed 

10.3.1. Partnerships with representative groups and charities 

Two of the six companies who took part in the interviews had actively engaged in 

activities designed to address the needs of blind and partially sighted consumers, 

110


specifically in the development of products designed to meet the needs of blind and 

partially sighted consumers. 

10.3.2. Representative groups - a useful source of insight 

The two companies referred to in 10.3.1 as having engaged in activities designed to 

address the needs of blind and partially sighted consumers had both partnered with 

groups representing blind and partially sighted people. Both manufacturers had 

interfaced closely with the groups representing blind and partially sighted people to 

capture equipment requirements. 

10.3.3. No direct research on needs of blind and partially sighted people 

from digital radio 

Interestingly, some of the interviewees reported that prior to being invited to take part 

in the interview for the RNIB project they had not thought about whether their 

products were particularly inaccessible to blind and partially sighted people. This 

finding was supported by an observation that none of the project interviewees’ 

companies had conducted their own research on the needs from digital radio 

equipment of blind and partially sighted consumers. Indeed, for the majority of 

participants’ companies insight on their customers was derived mainly from returns of 

completed product registration cards. The insight provided by such mechanisms tends 

to be limited. 

It is important to note that this low reporting by participant companies that they 

conduct user research was observed both in relation to the mainstream (non-disabled) 

market and to the older and disabled market generally; it was not only in relation to 

blind and partially sighted consumers. 

10.3.4. Concerns about return on investment 

Consistent with the findings from interviews with a wider cross-section of industry 

conducted and reported for Ofcom’s ACOD (to be published in Q4, 2008), commercial 

considerations were those most often raised by industry interviewees. Interviewees 

from the digital radio industry all raised concerns that orienting their organisations to 

address the needs of blind and partially sighted people in their product ranges would 

constitute costs with little promise or evidence of any return on their investments. 

Whilst the project’s industry interviewees were well able to appreciate the difficulties 

faced by blind and partially sighted consumers in using digital radio equipment 

independently, all commented that any attempts to address the difficulties had to be 

111


commercially viable. The majority of interviewees repeatedly reported that they were 

from companies of a scale that cannot support engagement in unprofitable activities. 

10.3.4.1. Perception of a limited market for accessible digital radio equipment 

The fundamental barrier raised repeatedly by interviewees was that there is only a 

small market for equipment specifically accessible to blind and partially sighted 

consumers. Another commercial barrier cited by interviewees in the current project 

included concerns that building in accessibility may be off-putting to companies’ core 

(mainstream) markets. As described in section 8.2 however, this project’s consumer 

research showed that accessible features in themselves need not be off-putting to 

mainstream consumers. Another commercial barrier cited by interviewees was that 

previous attempts at marketing accessible products have rarely been successful. One 

reason cited for this, from more than one interviewee, was that some retailers have not 

supported the marketing of accessible digital radio products, by not assigning 

sufficient shelf space in competitive retail environments. Others in the supply chain 

questioned whether consumers would be prepared to pay more for more accessible 

digital radio equipment. 

10.3.4.2. No consumer demand for accessible equipment 

A related observation, rarely raised without prompting by interviewees, is that if 

consumers were made more aware of the availability of accessible and easy to use 

digital radio equipment and choose to purchase it over less accessible and more 

difficult to use equipment, there would be a natural market pressure on the supply 

chain to provide accessible and easy to use products. None of the interviewees 

reported any awareness of significant consumer demand for digital radio products with 

voice output, or for products otherwise designed to be specifically accessible to blind 

and partially sighted people. 

10.4. Solutions discussed by industry interviewees 

10.4.1. Better interfaces with representative groups and charities 

Interfacing with representative groups and charities as a minimum provides access to 

insight on the needs of blind and partially sighted consumers, and the potential for 

support in marketing of digital radio products to target consumers. Some of the 

interviewees indicated a willingness to interface with organisations representing the 

interests of blind and partially sighted people. RNIB was included as such an 

organisation. 

112


10.4.2. Current limited interest in research on the needs of blind and 

partially sighted people 

Consistent with the previous finding, all the interviewees expressed interest in being 

given access to the final results of the current study on the needs of blind and partially 

sighted consumers from digital radio equipment. Interviewees made clear that of key 

importance in supporting any improvement was actionable advice about how to 

improve the accessibility of their products to blind and partially sighted people. 

Examples cited included written down guidelines, and better availability of shared user 

research data. 

10.4.3. Improved confidence that a market exists 

Interviewees’ concerns that there is only a small market for digital radio equipment 

specifically accessible to blind and partially sighted consumers were probed by the 

project interviewers. Specifically, interviewees were asked whether their concerns could 

be allayed by demonstrations that addressing many of the equipment needs of blind 

and partially sighted consumers could improve the ease with which sighted consumers 

could use the equipment. Broadly positive feedback was obtained in this regard. 

Similarly positive feedback was obtained at presentations of the results at industry 

meetings in London (July 2008, hosted by Intellect) and Brussels (August 2008, 

hosted by EICTA). 

10.4.4. Consumer education and information 

A theme referred to tangentially several times in the interviews was that consumers are 

not, in large numbers in any case, demanding digital radio equipment that is accessible 

to blind and partially sighted people. One solution discussed was the need for 

provision of comparative information on how easy to use and accessible are different 

models and brands of digital radio equipment. As is reported in relation to other 

products (eg Ricability’s digital television product evaluations see 

www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk), the products most accessible to blind and partially 

sighted people could then be badged, labelled or promoted as such. 

Another solution discussed was that if a broad range of consumers experienced that 

digital radio equipment designed to be accessible to blind and partially sighted people 

was easier for them, then this could support the marketing of such equipment. 

Another suggested solution, not received as warmly by all, was to encourage 

consumers to complain about any difficulties they experience when using digital radio 

equipment. 

113


10.4.5. Technical developments over time cited as most probable 

solutions 

The majority of the industry interviewees suggested that technical improvements over 

time will make accessibility features, such as voice output of button presses, more 

feasible (easier and cheaper) to include in consumer electronics products. The key 

development likely to support this, is that the evolution of digital radio modules is in 

any case towards more powerful processors and more memory. Once standard modules 

have sufficient processing power and memory to support voice output, including voice 

output would necessitate a smaller price increase relative to a product that does not 

support voice output than does implementing voice output today. Eventually the only 

price uplift should be in relation to interface design and software development. 

10.4.6. Levers to speed up change: international standards and 

procurement 

To speed up technical developments, levers discussed included accessibility 

considerations featuring in tender documentation for public procurement, and 

international standards supporting accessibility features. Whilst these topics were 

referred to briefly in the interviews, none of the interviewees had detailed suggestions 

about either. 

10.4.7. Lukewarm reactions to any new legislation or regulation 

No interviewees welcomed the prospect of any new legislation or regulation to force 

them to better address the needs of older and disabled people. This point was stressed 

repeatedly in the international context of the digital radio equipment market, where 

difference in requirements between countries is seen as a hindrance by industry. 

114

11. Conclusions 

11.1. Blind and partially sighted users are more reliant 

on radio than are sighted users 

Consistent with much of the background literature reviewed in the project, access to 

radio was revealed in both the project’s qualitative and quantitative research as more 

important to blind and partially sighted than to sighted participants. Blind and partially 

sighted participants were more likely to refer to listening to the radio as their favoured 

pastime. 

11.2. Simple design considerations could improve access 

Through analysis of the project’s in-depth interviews, and videos of participants using 

their own and new digital radio equipment, an inventory of design considerations was 

developed within the project. This was developed into a checklist (see Chapter 9). If 

implemented, these design considerations could improve access to digital radio for 

blind and partially sighted people, and usability for sighted people. The most important 

design considerations identified relate to button feedback, button design, physical 

properties of the text display and interface software design. 

11.3. Current limited interest in, and concerns about, 

advanced functions 

Many blind, partially sighted and sighted participants showed no interest in advanced 

features either because they felt they had no need for them or they currently used and 

were comfortable with alternative methods for features such as recording. Many blind 

and partially sighted participants expressed concern that advanced features were not 

accessible to them because these features rely heavy reliance on the text display. 

11.4. Industry is engaging with evidence-based 

prioritisation of design considerations 

Design considerations included in the checklist were prioritised based on the 

judgement of two experts (taking into account the range of tasks that could be 

affected by addressing the design consideration, the frequency of tasks, and whether 

they were involved in basic use: switching on, changing station, changing volume). The 

115


DAB equipment industry has shown initial signs of engaging positively with the 

recommendations included in the checklist following interim presentations of the 

project results. 

11.5. Many of the design considerations are relatively 

easily addressable 

Having shared the design considerations with industry at an interim juncture in the 

project, the project team received feedback that many of the checklist items are 

addressable by manufacturers in the product development process. 

Interaction is ongoing between the project team, RNIB and the consumer digital radio 

equipment industry to support the implementation of many of the research 

recommendations. 

11.6. Addressing the needs of people with sight 

problems has benefits for sighted consumers 

Many of the usability and accessibility issues which affected blind and partially sighted 

participants’ use of DAB radios were also observed to affect sighted participants’ DAB 

experiences. These have been summarised in the report. Addressing the design 

considerations included in the checklist therefore has the capacity to impact positively 

on the user experience of digital radio equipment for both blind and partially sighted 

and sighted consumers. 

11.7. Voice output enables blind and partially sighted 

consumers to use digital radio equipment almost as 

independently as sighted consumers 

The biggest difference in how blind and partially sighted and sighted consumers use 

DAB radio is whether or not they can use their equipment independently. Comparing 

matched samples, relative to sighted DAB users, blind and partially sighted users are 

twice as likely to report needing help from another person to use their DAB radio. 

Comparison of survey responses from blind and partially sighted consumers describing 

their use of DAB radios with and without voice output clearly demonstrated the high 

value of voice output for blind and partially sighted consumers. A similar proportion of 

blind and partially sighted users of digital radio with voice output report that they are 

able to use their radios independently as the proportion of sighted users of digital 

radio that can use their radio independently. 

116


11.8. Industry cites pragmatic and commercial barriers 

Industry representatives from the consumer DAB equipment supply chain cited a range 

of commercial barriers, including: difficulty evidencing return on investment (and thus 

building a compelling business case); concerns that building in accessibility may be offputting 

to the core (mainstream) market; and that previous attempts at marketing 

accessible products have rarely been successful. 

However, as has been shown in this report, many features that would improve 

accessibility and usability of a product to blind and partially sighted people would also 

improve usability for sighted people. Furthermore the project’s consumer research 

showed that accessible features in themselves need not be off-putting to mainstream 

consumers; voice output received a neutral or positive response from sighted 

participants. A product marketed as an inclusive, usable design for a mass market - 

that is additionally usable by blind and partially sighted people - is likely to have a 

better market impact than a product marketed as primarily for blind people. 

11.9. Industry would benefit from better availability of 

research insight, interaction with stakeholders and 

consumer awareness 

Potential solutions suggested by interviewees included improved industry engagement 

and consultation with stakeholders, better access to research on user needs, actionable 

advice about how to improve accessibility, consumer education, and technical 

developments. This research report responds to the need for better research and the 

need for actionable advice. 

11.10. RNIB is supporting better consumer information 

The design checklist (Chapter 9) with this report is being used in a related research 

activity commissioned by RNIB from Ricability, who are using the checklist to evaluate 

a range of DAB radio equipment on the market. It is hoped that the results of this 

activity will influence consumers’ future purchasing decisions for digital radio 

equipment. 

117


11.11. RNIB is supporting the availability of more 

accessible digital radio equipment, in this and future 

work 

Through the publication of this report, including the digital radio interface design 

consideration checklist (Chapter 9), and the ongoing comparative evaluation of 

currently available DAB radios against the checklist by Ricability, RNIB is supporting 

the availability of digital radio equipment that better meets the needs of blind and 

partially sighted, and sighted, consumers. In further support of this goal, RNIB is 

engaged with manufacturers, others in the supply chain, representative industry bodies 

and the UK Government’s Digital Radio Working Group. 

118

12. Acknowledgements 

The authors would like to thank all interview participants (consumers and industry), 

Short Preference Survey respondents including those who were actively involved in 

organisations and who helped us to recruit further participants such as National Talking 

Express - ntexpress.org.uk - Describe Online, and Age Concern. We would also like to 

thank Intellect for their help with recruiting industry representatives for the industry 

interviews. 

Our thanks also go to OFCOM, DCMS, BERR, Intellect members and EICTA members 

for considering the interim findings and giving us feedback at that stage. We are also 

grateful to the British Wireless for the Blind Fund and the Technical Committee of the 

European Blind Union for their feedback. 

Finally, our thanks go to the RNIB staff on the project steering group for their 

comments and suggestions throughout: Heather Cryer, Angela Edwards, Anna Jones, 

Shaun Leamon, Leen Petré and Cathy Rundle. 

119

13. Bibliography 

Bruce I W, McKennell A C and Walker E C (1991) RNIB Blind and partially sighted 

adults in Britain: the RNIB survey, Volume 1 

Digital Radio Development Bureau (2007) personal communication. 

Douglas G, Corcoran C Pavey S (2006) Network 1000. Opinions and circumstances of 

visually impaired people in Great Britain: report based on over 1,000 interviews. 

University of Birmingham, Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research, School 

of Education. 

Ofcom (2006) Summary of Research on the Ease of Use of Domestic Digital Television 

Equipment. Substantial contribution to research and reporting by i2 media research to 

Ofcom’s report 

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/tv/reports/usability/dtvu.pdf 

Ofcom (2008a) People with visual impairments and communications services 

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/tv/reports/visual/ 

Ofcom (2008b) Communications Market report 2008 

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/cm/cmr08/ 

RNIB DAB Development Report (2000), prepared by Department of Design and 

Technology, Loughborough University, UK 

120

14. Glossary of terms 

Audio Description 

Like a narrator telling a story, audio description is an additional commentary on 

television and video describing body language, expressions and movements 

BPS 

Blind and partially sighted people 

DAB 

Digital audio broadcasting 

EPG 

Electronic programme guide 

LED 

Light emitting diode 

Voice output 

A radio with voice output provides audible (synthetic or recorded) speech feedback to 

the user in one or both of two ways: first a voice can confirm via speech the buttons a 

user presses or functions a user alters, and second a voice can read out the information 

that appears on the radio’s text display (eg station name, time, genre) 

WiFi 

The name of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to 

provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections 

121

Appendix A – Short Preference Survey on 

DAB use 

Hello! We are conducting research for the Royal National Institute of Blind People to 

understand if and how DAB digital radio could be made more easy to use for blind and 

partially sighted people. 

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. Compared with the older analogue radio 

signal, digital radio can offer more choice of channels and improved sound quality. The 

more robust digital signal is less susceptible to the effects of different types of 

interference, for instance, bad weather conditions. New digital radios can provide extra 

information about the radio station and the current programme, usually on a small 

screen, like a radio programme guide. With some digital radios the user can record, 

pause and rewind live radio. 

1. Do you have DAB digital radio equipment that you use at home? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] go to Q2 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] END 

Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] END 

Thinking of the DAB digital radio you use the most … 

2. How long have you had this radio? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Over a year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

Between 6 months and a year . . . . . .[2] 

Over 3 months and up to 6 months .[3] 

Over 1 month and up to 3 months . .[4] 

Up to 1 month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

3. Thinking back to when you first got this digital radio and when you first started to 

use it, did you need any advice, help or support from any other person (not from 

audio or other manuals) with…: 

a. getting the radio out of its packaging, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

122

Appendix A – Short Preference Survey on DAB use 

Don’t know/not applicable . . . . . .[3] 

b. using the operating instructions/user manual that came with it (note: whatever 

the format: CD, internet, paper, large print), for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


c. plugging the radio in, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


d. inserting batteries, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


e. switching the radio on/off, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


f. tuning the radio in for the first time (scanning for channels)? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


g. setting/storing presets, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


123


h. accessing information on the text displays on the radio, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


i. knowing which station you are listening to, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


j. changing station, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


k. tuning to a specific station (eg BBC Radio 4), for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


l. changing volume, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


m.using a remote control to control your digital radio, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


n. finding out what programmes were going to be on that evening or later that 

week that may have interested you, using your radio, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


124


o. finding out what the time was, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


p. pausing live radio, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


q. forwarding and/or rewinding, back to live radio, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


r. recording a radio programme, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


s. playing back a recorded radio programme, for the first time? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


4. Nowadays, do you ever feel you need any advice, help or support from any other 

person with: 

a. using the operating instructions/user manual that came with it (note: whatever 

the format: CD, internet, paper, large print)? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


125


b. plugging the radio in? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


c. changing batteries? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


d. switching the radio on/off? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


e. retuning the radio (rescanning to find new channels)? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


f. updating/setting/storing presets? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


g. accessing information on the text displays on the radio? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


h. knowing which station you are listening to? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


126


i. changing station? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


j. tuning to a specific station (eg BBC Radio 4)? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


k. changing volume? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


l. using a remote control to control your digital radio? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


m.finding out, using your radio, what programmes are going to be on tonight or 

later this week that may interest you? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


n. finding out what time it is? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


o. pausing live radio? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


127


p. forwarding and/or rewinding, back to live radio? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


q. recording a radio programme? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


r. playing back a recorded radio programme? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


5. Which, if any, of the following additional features do you think your radio has? 

Select all that apply [MULTICODE] 

a. operating instructions in alternative formats (audio/CD, large print, braille) .[1] 

b. voice output for all functions (where a voice confirms the buttons you 

press/functions you alter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. voice output for the information on the screen (where a voice reads out 

information that appears on the text display eg station name, time, genre) .[3] 

d. clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. pause live radio function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. record function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

g. easy way to store presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] 

h. electronic programme guide (on-screen programme guide which provides 

information about what programmes are going to be on later on the current and 

other stations, usually on the radio’s - small screen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[8] 

i. sleep function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[9] 

j. none of the above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[10] 

128


6. Which, if any, of the following additional features do you think are the most useful 

to have with a radio? Pick up to five from the list below - some will be functions 

you have on your current radio, some you may have heard of before, and some you 

may hear about for the first time in this list? 

Select up to five [MULTICODE] 

a. user manual (operating instructions) in alternative formats (audio/CD, 

large print, Braille) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. voice output for all functions (where a voice confirms the buttons you 

press/functions you alter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. voice output for the information on the screen (where a voice reads out 

information that appears on the text display eg station name, time, genre) .[3] 

d. clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. pause live radio function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. record and playback function (where you record a programme onto the radio’s 

memory disk/card) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

g. easier way to store presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] 

h. electronic programme guide (on-screen programme guide which provides 

information about what programmes are going to be on later on the current and 

other stations, usually on the radio’s - small - screen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[8] 

i. sleep function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[9] 

j. none of the above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[10] 

7. Thinking of when you have used your digital radio, please indicate which, if any, of 

the following have happened 


a. I have got lost in a menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. I have accidentally changed a setting (eg station, volume, power) without 

expecting to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. A setting (eg station, volume, power) has changed without me or anyone else 

pressing any button(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Other (please specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

Please specify: ___________________ 

e. None of the above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

129


8. When any of the above have happened, which of the following steps have you 

taken to try and fix the problem 


a. Carried on pressing buttons on the radio hoping to get back to where I was [1] 

b. Switched the radio off and on again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Asked someone else to help me (eg a friend, family member or housemate) [3] 

d. Referred to the instruction manual that came with the radio (note: whatever 

the format: CD, internet, paper, large print) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Called a telephone helpline for advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Looked online for advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

g. None of the above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] 

h. Other (please specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[8] 

Please specify: __________________________ 

9. What make and model is the radio you have answered this survey about? 

please specify make:______________________ 

model:_________________________________ 

10. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the DAB digital radio you are 

answering this survey about is easy to use? 

Please select one [SINGLE CODE] 

a. Strongly disagree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Disagree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Neither agree or disagree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Agree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Strongly agree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

11. Which three radio stations do you most enjoy? 

Specify THREE that apply [FREE TEXT] 

a. Favourite [1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 


b. Favourite [2] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 


c. Favourite [3] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 


130


12. How many radios (analogue or digital) do you have at home that you use in total? 

[by radios we mean devices whose primary function is as a radio] 


a. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. 5 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

13. On how many of these can you listen to digital (DAB) radio? 


a. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. 5 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

14. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the DAB digital radios are easier to 

use than analogue radios? 


a. Strongly disagree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Disagree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Neither agree or disagree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Agree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Strongly agree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

15. What different devices or formats do you use to listen to digital radio broadcasts? 

Please select all that apply [MULTICODE] 

a. DAB digital radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Digital TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. (Podcasts via) MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Other (please specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 


131


16. On average, how many hours a day do you listen to radio? 


a. Less than 1 hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. 1-2 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. 2-4 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. 4-6 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. 6-10 hours a day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. 10-14 hours a day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

g. 14 hours a day or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] 

17. What type(s) of programme(s) do you listen to? 


a. Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. News/weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Current Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

g. Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] 


18. What times of the day do you tend to listen to the radio on WEEKDAYS (Monday- 

Friday)? 


a. Breakfast peak (0600-1000) . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Mid-morning (1000-1300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Afternoon (1300-1600) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. PM/’Drive’ (1600-1900) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Evening (1900-midnight) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Overnight (midnight-0600) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

19. What times of the day do you tend to listen to the radio on WEEKENDS (Saturday- 

Sunday)? 


a. Breakfast peak (0600-1000) . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Mid-morning (1000-1300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Afternoon (1300-1600) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. PM/’Drive’ (1600-1900) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Evening (1900-midnight) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Overnight (midnight-0600) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

132


Background information 

20. What sex are you? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

a. Male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Female . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

21. Which of the following age bands are you in: 

[SINGLE CODE] 

a. 18 - 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. 25 - 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. 35 - 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. 45 - 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. 55 - 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. 65-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 

g. 75-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] 

h. 85+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[8] 

22. Which of the following best describes your ownership of the property you live in? 

[SINGLE CODE] 

a. Living in a property that you/your family own outright/ with a mortgage . .[1] 

b. Living in property rented privately . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Living in property rented from the council/housing association . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Other living arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

23. Do you live…? 

[MULTICODE] 

a. Alone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. With your partner/husband/wife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. As a family with your parent(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. As a family with your child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. In a shared household (eg with friends, colleagues, siblings) . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 

f. Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] 


133


24. Do you have any long term illness, health problem or disability with any of these 

areas of your life? 


a. Prefer not to say/none . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] go to Q27 

b. Mobility (moving about) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] go to c 

c. Lifting, carrying or moving objects . . . . . . . .[3] go to d 

d. Manual dexterity (using your hands to carry out 

everyday tasks) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] go to e 

e. Memory or ability to concentrate, learn or 

understand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] go to f 

f. Speaking problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] go to g 

g. Hearing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] go to h 

h. Vision problems, not corrected with spectacles or 

contact lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[8] if yes go to Q25 

else Q28 

25. Which of the following describe what you are able to see? 

[MULTICODE, sequential] 

a. Prefer not to say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[7] go to Q26 

b. In a room during daytime, you can tell by 

the light where the windows are . . . . . . . . . .[1] if no, then go to Q26, else b 

c. You can see the shapes of the furniture 

in a room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] if no, then go to Q26, else c 

d. You can see well enough to recognise a friend 

if you get close to his or her face . . . . . . . . .[3] if no, then go to Q26, else d 

e. You can you see well enough to recognise a 

friend who is at arm’s length away . . . . . . . .[4] if no, then go to Q26, else e 

f. You can see well enough to recognise a 

friend across the room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] if no, then go to Q26, else f 

g. You can see well enough to recognise a 

friend across the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[6] go to Q26 

26. Are you registered blind or registered partially sighted? 


a. Registered blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Registered partially sighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Neither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Don’t know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

134


27. What is your preferred reading format? 


a. Large print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[1] 

b. Braille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[2] 

c. Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[3] 

d. Electronic (email/internet/disk) . . . . . . . . . .[4] 

e. Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[5] 


28. We are planning a small number of follow up interviews with people who have 

completed this short survey. Each person selected will be paid £30 for taking part 

in a 60-90 minute interview. 

If you would be willing to take part in a more detailed interview about your 

experiences of DAB digital radio equipment, please provide your name and contact 

number to the interviewer. 

Name: _________________________ 

Phone number: __________________ 

135

Appendix B – Data tables 

Table AB3.1 Comparison of the age distribution of the research sub-samples with 

the Network 1000 nationally representative data for the blind and partially 

sighted population 

18-29 years 30-49 years 50-64 years 65+ years 

nationally representative 

sample (all) 

nationally representative 

sample (DAB: n=225) 

blind and partially 


(DAB: n=100) 

19% 34% 25% 22% 

19% 36% 30% 14% 

7% 36% 38% 20% 



(network 1000: n=1007) 

20% 21% 22% 37% 

Table AB5.1 How many radios (analogue or digital) do you have in total? 

1 2 3 4 

5 or 

more 

don’t 

know 

nationally 

representative 


28% 24% 19% 12% 16% 1% 



(n=100) 

2% 11% 27% 14% 46% 0% 

136


Table AB5.2 On how many of these can you listen to digital (DAB) radio? 

1 2 3 4 

5 or 

more 

don’t 

know 

nationally 

representative 


64% 24% 6% 2% 3% 1% 



(n=100) 

27% 33% 27% 4% 9% 0% 

Table AB6.1 Experienced some difficulty with DAB radio 

National 

Representative 

Sample (n=225) 

BPS - no voice 

output 

(n=58) 

BPS - voice 

output 

(n=42) 

Experienced some difficulty Never experienced difficulty 

47% 53% 

91% 9% 

86% 14% 

137


Table AB7.1 Which five of the following nine (DAB radio) features are 

most useful? 

Accessible 

user 

manual 

VO: 

button 

presses/ 

function 

VO: 

text 

display 

Clock Pause Record/ 

playback 

Easy EPG Sleep 

presets 

National 

Rep' 

Sample 

(n=225) 

BPS - 

no voice 

output 

(n=58) 

BPS - 

voice 

output 

(n=42) 

32% 24% 27% 47% 44% 42% 44% 43% 32% 

79% 86% 77% 19% 47% 63% 35% 33% 16% 

83% 98% 67% 57% 33% 36% 26% 45% 24% 

Table AB8.1 Proportion of samples requiring any help for first time use and 

subsequent use, with any task and any basic task 

National 




output (n=58) 

BPS - voice 

output (n=42) 


Any help 

needed; any 

task (19 

items) 

Any help 

needed; 

basic tasks 

(12 items) 


Any help Any help 

needed; any needed; 

task (18 basic tasks 

items) (11 items) 

39% 32% 17% 14% 

90% 90% 69% 69% 

48% 48% 26% 26% 

138


Table AB8.2 Average number of tasks for which help from someone else was 

needed by each sample 



Any help 

needed; any 

task (0-19) 

Any help 

needed; 

basic tasks 

(0-12) 

Any help 

needed; any 

task (0-18) 

Any help 

needed; 

basic tasks 

(0-11) 

National 




output (n=58) 

BPS - voice 

output (n=42) 

1.8 1.1 0.3 0.6 

6.2 5.7 2.2 2.4 

2.2 2.1 0.5 0.5 

Table AB8.3 Thinking of when you have used your digital radio, please indicate 

which, if any, of the following have happened (base: respondents reporting at 

least some difficulty in using DAB radio) 

Lost in 

a menu 

Accidentally 

changed setting 

Setting changed 

without touching 

Other 

difficulty 

National 


Sample 

(n=225) 


output (n=58) 

BPS - voice 

output 

(n=42) 

19% 33% 14% 8% 

60% 74% 22% 38% 

36% 48% 31% 38% 

139


Table AB8.4 When any of the above (difficulties) have happened, which of the 

following steps have you taken to try and fix the problem? (base: respondents 

reporting at least some difficulty in using DAB radio) 

Hopeful 

button 

pressing 

Switch 

DAB 

off/on 

Ask for 

local 

help 

Refer 

to user 

manual 

Call 

helpline 

Look 

online 

Other 

National 


Sample 

(n=106) 


output (n=53) 

BPS - voice 

output (n=36) 

55% 52% 31% 55% 5% 8% 7% 

62% 79% 70% 31% 6% 13% 28% 

39% 64% 22% 9% 11% 11% 36% 

Table AB8.5 To what extent do you agree or disagree that the DAB digital radio 

you are answering this survey about is easy to use? 

Strongly 

disagree 

Disagree 

Neither 

agree nor 

disagree 

Agree 

Strongly 

agree 

Don’t 

know 

National 


Sample 

(n=225) 


output (n=58) 

BPS - voice 

output 

(n=42) 

3% 4% 8% 48% 36% 1% 

5% 22% 14% 36% 22% 0% 

0% 0% 0% 17% 83% 0% 

140


Table AB8.6 To what extent do you agree or disagree that the DAB digital radios 

are easier to use than analogue ones? 

Strongly 

disagree 

Disagree 

Neither 

agree nor 

disagree 

Agree 

Strongly 

agree 

Don’t 

know 

National 


Sample 

(n=225) 


output (n=58) 

BPS - voice 

output 

(n=42) 

3% 20% 17% 37% 21% 1% 

28% 31% 10% 22% 9% 0% 

10% 10% 33% 33% 12% 2% 

141

ISBN: 978 1 85878 996 5 

Registered charity number 226227

Download Complete Report (PDF 1.19mb) - RNIB

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?