Orientation is one of the more exciting concepts to analyze. Orientation isn’t just a direction or merely an understanding of one’s surroundings. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, orientation is defined as:
“Definition of orient״
(Entry 1 of 3)
transitive verb
1: To direct (something, such as a book or film) toward the interests of a particular group
2a: To set right by adjusting to facts or principles
b: To acquaint with the existing situation or environment
3a: To set or arrange in any determinate position, especially about the points of the compass
b: To ascertain the bearings of
4: To cause the axes of the molecules of (a fiber or material) to assume the same direction.”
It’s interesting how language often reveals more profound truths. The primary use of “orienting” is usually found in #1 and sometimes #2b, but our understanding of orientation at Pluro is quite different—closer to #3a.
Orientation for Unique Users – A Unique Situation
Users with disabilities are unique. Addressing their needs in the same way we would address those of the general population is not true inclusion. Imagine amplifying a specific scent to help anosmic people (those who have lost their sense of smell) “ping” it. While this might seem logical, it’s not a productive solution for people who can’t smell anything.
In many cases, we’ve found that orientation is more important for users with disabilities than almost anything else. As a unique user, you often try to understand what general users would categorize as a “natural” or “good UX flow.”
The Reason
So, when trying to understand the difference between an oriented user and a disoriented one, I believe it’s best to describe it through two main methods:
A: Comparing to the general population.
Consider all the UX elements we consider “normal” or “acceptable.” If you’re struggling to understand what I mean, think about a time when you saw an older, disoriented person trying to navigate a new gadget or website. That moment when you see them looking for the “X” to close a pop-up or the frustration you feel when you say, “Just click the big green ‘Next’ button in the middle of the screen!”
That’s a lack of orientation. It’s the time it takes to navigate when the “normal” setup isn’t designed with you in mind.
B: Comparing to blind users.
Blind people often rely on tools like guide dogs, canes, and heightened senses to navigate the world. But in their own homes, what’s the primary tool they use? That’s right—orientation. By arranging their homes consistently, they can function in a way that feels natural, knowing exactly where everything is and how to move efficiently. This sense of orientation allows them to perform everyday tasks with ease.
So, What Should We Do?
When we think about accessibility, we need to evolve constantly. At Pluro, we believe that the next step in the evolution of accessibility will be achieved through two main principles:
- Usability over accessibility
- Orientation over un-standardized, stand-alone solutions
At Pluro, we’ve developed a unique solution focused on the web’s core functions—eCommerce and data consumption. Our technology turns any website into a controlled, predictable environment. By creating a recurring and familiar structure, we help unique users achieve that vital sense of orientation, allowing them to navigate seamlessly and feel welcomed, valued, and “normal”—like someone arriving at their own doorstep.
