The partnership between Samsung and RNIB has brightened the path toward a future where technology serves everyone. Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), represents the two million blind or partially sighted individuals in the U.K. Spinks has dedicated himself to promoting inclusivity and advocating accessible technology globally.
Shades of Inclusivity
Following the world of technological inclusivity is complicated, with each person’s needs varying significantly. There are a lot of misconceptions about disabilities, further complicating the journey toward true accessibility for everyone. Through the partnership between Samsung and RNIB, Spinks brings his wealth of knowledge aiming to solve these complexities. Their mission is creating “Screens for All” that will cater to every user regardless of their disabilities.
Robin Spinks
Spinks, a pioneer in the field, leads RNIB’s global initiatives in digital service and product accessibility. With nearly 15 years of dedicated work at RNIB, he tirelessly advocates for inclusive technology. He also collaborated with NGOs and assistive technology companies in Africa for five years, which provided him with unique insights into crafting effective accessibility solutions.
Adapting Solutions for All
Spinks and his team dived into the complexities of user’s needs. He gave examples of some individuals who benefit from magnification, requiring specific functionalities. Others might require enhanced edge detection or visible screen actions.
Powerful Partnership Between Samsung and RNIB
Traditional television often creates challenges for those with visual impairments. However, for almost a decade, Samsung and RNIB have collaborated to overcome these barriers. RNIB guides the testing of user accessibility features and ensures they address actual pain points. With its technological progress, Samsung then incorporates these insights into revolutionizing accessibility features.
Relumino Mode
One notable innovation created from this collaboration is the Relumino Mode. This feature, added to Samsung Smart TVs, revolutionizes the viewing experience for individuals with low vision. Enhancing specific elements within videos, such as outlines, contrast, color, and sharpness, makes content more transparent and engaging. This feature is also customizable, ensuring it serves as a solution for all.
In the journey toward inclusivity, Samsung and RNIB’s collaboration is a beacon of hope for the visually impaired. By breaking the barriers and accessible technology, they redefine how we interact with our screens. As technology advances, the ongoing progress in accessibility ensures a better tomorrow for individuals with disabilities, promising a brighter future with each passing day.
