Activity
2-Finger scrub gesture
Learn the easy way to close a popup menu or exit a page - use the 2-finger Scrub gesture!
The 2-finger scrub gesture is another effective iOS gesture that is often overlooked. Using the Scrub gesture is one way to become more efficient with VoiceOver shortcut commands.
What does the Scrub gesture do?
The scrub gesture is used to close a popup menu. The scrub gesture can also be used to perform the ‘back’ action, meaning it can also be used to take you ‘back’ to the previous page, similar to activating the Back button.
Why is the scrub gesture important?
When a popup menu is open, the menu appears on top of the current page – taking up only part of the screen. Without VoiceOver, users simply tap off the menu, anywhere on the screen. However, for users who are visually impaired, knowing where to tap is problematic as the developer determines the size and placement of the menu. The scrub gesture can be done anywhere on the screen and will automatically close the menu.
Some menus are designed with an X button that can close the menu; however, most menus do not have this button.
Physical gesture
With two relaxed fingers which are spread slightly apart and bent, move the fingers rapidly back and forth several times. The movement is a fast and small, covering a space of only an inch or two. Only the two-fingers and hand should move – the wrist and arm should remain still.
Imagine “scrubbing” or “erasing” the popup menu.
Having trouble making the small, rapid back and forth movement? Try modifying the movement by drawing a small print “Z” on the screen; this motion can be performed using a slightly slower movement.
Common issue when performing the scrub gesture
Some users perform the scrub gesture with a very slow movement. The back-and-forth movement should be quick! If the movement is too slow, it will not be recognized.
2-Finger Scrub Gesture video:
Earcon
iOS actions all have earcons – sounds that convey meaning – to help visually impaired users know what is happening on the screen. When the scrub action is performed successfully, the associated earcon is three ascending beeps, indicating that there is a new page.
Activities
Popup Menu
Open a document in the Pages app. Select a button in the Tool Bar at the top of the page, such as the More button. A popup menu appears at the top right side of the screen, with four options: Find, Presenter Mode, Settings and Help. Ready to close the popup menu? Simply perform the 2-finger scrub gesture! Remember to listen for the earcons, as these sounds will convey what is happening on the screen.
Use a 2-finger scrub – anywhere on the screen – to exit the popup menu.
Scrub: Close Popup Menu video:
Back
Open the Settings App. In the left column, select Accessibility. In the right column, select VoiceOver. Notice that the back button now says “Accessibility, Back Button”, reminding you that the previous page was the Accessibility page. Next, select Speech. Now the Back button is “VoiceOver, Back Button”, reminding you that the previous page was the VoiceOver page.
Explore what options are under the Speech page by dragging your finger down the column on the right 2/3rds side of the screen. Ready to get out of this page? Do not worry about trying to find the Back Button – simply use the 2-finger scrub gesture to back to the VoiceOver page. You will hear the new page earcon. Use the scrub gesture again to go back to the previous page. Scrub again to hear the “thunk” that indicates that you are on the first page and cannot go back again. (Note: In the video, a piano sound was heard instead of the “thunk”. Typically, you will hear a “thunk”.)
Scrub: Back video:
Equivalent keyboard and braille display commands
There are equivalent keyboard and braille display commands for the 2-finger scrub gesture. The keyboard command (with Quick Nav on or off) is the Escape key. The braille display command is B Chord (1 + 2 + space); B stands for Back.
Resources
By Diane Brauner
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