Surface Adaptive Kit

Small physical barriers can interrupt work: a user may have difficulty identifying a port, locating a key, opening a device, or matching a cable without repeated visual checks. The Surface Adaptive Kit helps address these barriers through tactile and visual cues that make supported Surface devices easier to identify, open, and use.

The kit includes labels and opener supports that can help users personalize their device setup. Bump labels can mark frequently used keys or controls. Keycap labels can help identify important keys by touch. Port labels can help match cables to ports. Opener supports can make it easier to open a laptop lid or Surface Pro kickstand. These small cues can help reduce repeated guesswork and help users build predictable routines during daily work.

Use case scenario: A user moves between desks, meeting rooms, and shared workspaces and needs to identify ports, keys, and device controls quickly. Surface Adaptive Kit labels can create consistent tactile and visual cues that help the user connect accessories, locate controls, and open the device with less trial and error.

Next, explore how to unbox the Surface Adaptive Kit and apply the tactile tools to create a more predictable device experience.

Opening the box

1. Remove the sleeve from the case by pulling open the tab on the back.
2. Use the notch on the front of the case to open the lid.
3. Inside the case is a folder with a large loop. Use the loop to remove the folder.
4. The folder contains four cards that each contain a different component of the adaptive kit.

From top to bottom, the components are:

• Bump labels
• Keycap labels and applicator
• Port labels
• Opening support

Next, let's review these components and how to use them on your Surface device.

Bump labels

Bump labels come in four shapes and colors, for a total of 16 labels. Shape variations are a solid dot, an open circle, a dash line, and an X. Each shape variation is available in green, orange, blue, and gray.

Here are some possible uses for bump labels:

• Place the dot button near the headphone port.
• Place the X and dash buttons near the volume controls.
• Place the circle button on the Function key.

Keycap labels

Keycap labels are designed to help you identify keys on your keyboard. The labels are transparent with a raised feature on them. There are 12 total labels:

• Eight lines in varying orientations and lengths
• Three arrows
• One large horseshoe
• One keycap label applicator

The labels can be applied by hand or with the applicator that's attached to the keycap card in the lower right. Using the applicator can help you align the labels to the keyboard keys more consistently.

If you prefer to use the keycap applicator, follow these steps:

1. Peel the keycap label that you want to use from the keycap card and set it back down loosely.
2. Peel the applicator from the card. You'll notice the middle section is sticky; this helps you lift and apply the keycap labels.
3. Place the center of the applicator over the label and press to pick it up.
4. Place the applicator with the label over the key you want to label.
5. Press the applicator with the label firmly on the key then lift the applicator to remove it from the label.
6. When the label is on the key, press down on it firmly to make sure it's adhered securely.

Port labels

The port labels are designed to help identify and match cables and ports on your device. There are five different ports label pairs, for 10 total labels. Each pair is a different color and has a different tactile design so they can be identified visually and by touch. Here's a description of the pairs:

• One long green label with dense bumps, one short green label with dense bumps.
• One long red label with repeating short lines, one short red label with three short lines.
• One long blue label with repeating open circles, one short blue label with an open circle.
• One long yellow label with a single line, one short yellow label with a single line.
• One long gray label with a jagged line, one short gray label with a jagged line.

To apply these labels, place the shorter label on your Surface next to the port you want to identify. Then wrap the longer, matching label around the cable that you most often use with that port.

Opener support

There are two opener supports in the Surface Adaptive Kit.

The first support has a larger loop, designed to help the opening of a laptop lid. To use it, place the opener support on the edge of the lid with the loop hanging off.

The second support has a flexible section in the middle where you can attach a lanyard or wrist strap. The lanyard isn't included, but different styles can be purchased. This support is designed to be used on a Surface Pro kickstand.