Audio Description Explained: Making Important Visual Information Available in Audio

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

1. 1

   Step 1: Identify important visual meaning

   0:18

   Review visual information needed to understand the content.

   On-screen labels: Important action; On-screen information; Relevant context.

2. 2

   Step 2: Review the existing audio

   0:30

   Check which visual details the main speakers already explain.

   On-screen labels: Existing narration; Covered information; Remaining gaps.

3. 3

   Step 3: Choose a supported approach

   0:42

   Description can be integrated or supplied through another supported route.

   On-screen labels: Integrated speech; Described version; Supported track.

4. 4

   Step 4: Plan clear and useful wording

   0:54

   Fit the important detail into the chosen timing and presentation.

   On-screen labels: Relevant detail; Clear wording; Suitable timing.

5. 5

   Step 5: Keep caption needs distinct

   1:06

   Captions and descriptions provide different kinds of access.

   On-screen labels: Caption text; Visual description; Different purposes.

6. 6

   Step 6: Test the actual listening route

   1:18

   Check that viewers can find and hear the intended description.

   On-screen labels: Available version; Player support; Complete information.

See it in a diagram

Read the diagram as text

1. Visual meaning: Information needed to understand
2. Spoken words: A clear visual description
3. Playback route: The supported described version

Check what the main audio already explains. Integrated description or another supported route can supply the remaining visual information.

Caption text and audio description serve different needs. Review the actual supplied tracks or versions.

Diagram by Jersey Web. Open full size · Source and further detail (opens in a new tab)

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