Xeno Perception

A major problem with alien species unified under a single banner, such as the Hyperion Federation, is that each one has evolved under the light of different stars, often in different stages. This leads them to see light differently from other species. To an alien, their visible light section of the electromagnetic spectrum could be well within the ultraviolet area. Humans will not be able to see their writing or what their screens are displaying for example.
Federation screens are designed to be able to emit any frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum. Allowing different species to see the screen as it emits both human red light and red of another species, simultaneously, for example. For the few that cannot perceive light, they also vibrate very softly.
Other examples of senses that not all species have include the harkas' hivemind, hearing and even taste which can all impact the cultures of the HF. Generally, they try to rely less on one particular sense and try to target as many senses as possible, for example, HF alarms will produce a flashing white light (visible to all species with sight) and crearting a sound that can be easily heard by most species. The vast majority of all species would probably notice the alarm. Translators can translate any written language on sight. They will then 'read the message aloud' or project a translated version of the text in front of them, if a partiular species is deaf. Blind species are unlikely to develop a written language except when it might arise due to markings which can be felt. Translators like this can also allow any species to communicate with one another. Most can hear and see.