Zoom and HSBC have developed an accessibility feature to stop users from experiencing potentially epilepsy seizure-triggering lighting or patterns.
The two businesses partnered to create a setting that allows users to dim screen share video, reducing the risk of seizure-inducing content.
The solution originated from feedback provided by HSBC Compliance Assurance Manager Joanne Austin, who had been diagnosed with epilepsy over 20 years ago and had experienced the increased use of Zoom during the pandemic. Austin informed HSBC that she experienced two incidents when colleagues shared content over Zoom, including flashing patterns, and she closely avoided seizures.
"I often have to protect myself from digital technologies that can trigger my epilepsy," Austin said.
During the pandemic, you had to use digital video communications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet to do your job. On one of these calls, a colleague shared a game on Zoom that had moving pictures. That’s one of my triggers. Out of nowhere, that set me off – unlike the auras or a funny taste in the mouth that others have to warn them, I don’t get any warning. The wrong moving images come up on the screen, and I end up on the floor."
Austin, aware that other HSBC colleagues (and video conferencing users around the globe) could be similarly vulnerable to potentially triggering content, collaborated with HSBC's accessibility team by first tweaking Austin's browser settings to turn off images automatically and assessed what HSBC screensavers could be triggering.
HSBC then contacted Zoom, and the companies partnered to produce a safety functionality that can recognise flashing images, which are subsequently turned off before the screen is dimmed. HSBC's accessibility team tested the capability with extensive variables to ensure it would work both at home and on-premises.
"Zoom is now accessible and safe for others with epilepsy," Austin added. "Migraine sufferers have said it may help them too. I'm so proud that I and my employer had a hand in making this happen."
The feature is now generally available to all Zoom users and accessible via "Settings".
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