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Content is not restricted to landscape orientation

The content on the screen should rotate from landscape to portrait orientation.

Impact​

Users in wheelchairs sometimes have their device mounted in a fixed position. Some users may require portrait mode for accessibility reasons, while others may use landscape mode for better readability when increasing font sizes.

Description​

All content on the screen should rotate when the device is switched from landscape to portrait orientation.

Exceptions​

All cases where locking to landscape orientation is essential.

  • A racing game that uses landscape orientation to provide a wide view of the track.
  • An AR app for viewing 3D models locks to portrait mode because the interaction depends on holding the device upright for precise placement and control.
  • A piano app locks to landscape mode to provide a full keyboard layout.
  • A flight simulator requires landscape mode for a realistic cockpit experience.

Examples​

A game allows users to play in both landscape and portrait modes, adjusting the interface accordingly.

Failures​

A game remains locked in landscape mode, even though portrait orientation is not essential for gameplay.

Testing​

Procedure​

  1. Disable screen orientation lock in the device settings.
  2. Navigate to the screen in the app.
  3. Rotate the phone from landscape to portrait mode.
  4. Check whether all content rotates with the screen orientation.

Expected result​

  • If all content rotates with the screen orientation from landscape to portrait, the screen passes.
  • If content remains locked in landscape orientation, the screen fails.

Solutions​

Resources​