*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
JIS X 8341-3:2016 on web accessibility provides guidelines to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can use web content. Among the key areas, the success criteria related to “time-based media” are crucial for making media content like audio and video accessible to all users. In this article, we will thoroughly explain what “time-based media” means, outline the specific success criteria, and discuss effective implementation methods.
1. What is Time-based Media?
“Time-based media” refers to content that includes audio, video, or both, which relies on time to convey its information. Examples include YouTube videos, live streams, podcasts, and more. Since these types of content progress over time and require users to view or listen at a certain speed, special accommodations must be made to ensure accessibility for everyone.
Common Examples:
- Audio Media: Podcasts, audio guides
- Video Media: Video content with visuals (e.g., YouTube videos)
- Live Media: Live streaming of video or audio
2. Overview of Success Criteria in JIS X 8341-3:2016
The success criteria for time-based media under JIS X 8341-3:2016 set out specific requirements to make these media accessible. These criteria ensure that users with visual, auditory, cognitive, or other impairments can equally access media content. Below are the key success criteria and their descriptions.
2.1. Providing Captions (Subtitles)
Criteria: All video content that includes audio must provide accurate and synchronized captions. This allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or non-native speakers to understand the video content.
How to Implement:
- Transcribe the audio portion of the video and display it on-screen as captions.
- Even when using automatic captioning tools, verify accuracy and make manual corrections as needed.
2.2. Providing Audio Descriptions
Criteria: Videos that contain visual information (e.g., presentations or instructional videos) must include audio descriptions, which convey the visual content for people with visual impairments.
How to Implement:
- Describe the visual content or important actions using a voiceover to make it accessible to visually impaired users.
- Add narration or an audio track that provides this information, or offer it as a separate audio guide.
2.3. Providing Transcripts
Criteria: For audio-only media (e.g., podcasts, recorded speeches), a text transcript of the audio must be provided. This helps users who are deaf or in environments where audio playback is not feasible.
How to Implement:
- Provide a complete text transcript of podcasts, interviews, or other audio content on your website.
- Ensure the transcript identifies speakers and details all important dialogue.
2.4. Offering Alternative Media
Criteria: It is recommended to provide alternative media for users who cannot access the primary media format (e.g., text or static images for videos or audio).
How to Implement:
- Provide text summaries or descriptions of video content.
- Use images or diagrams to represent key scenes, along with accompanying descriptions.
3. Accessibility Solutions for Live Streaming
Live streaming presents a unique challenge because of its real-time nature, but it is still essential to ensure accessibility. Solutions such as real-time captions and live audio descriptions are recommended.
Providing Real-time Captions
Criteria: During live streaming, provide real-time captions to allow users who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow the content as it happens.
How to Implement:
- Hire professional captioners to generate real-time captions.
- Alternatively, use automatic captioning tools, and correct errors where necessary.
Implementing Live Audio Descriptions
Criteria: For live video streams, it is recommended to provide live audio descriptions, especially for content with important visual elements.
How to Implement:
- Employ an audio describer to provide real-time narration during the live broadcast.
- Offer an additional stream with audio descriptions, so users can choose whether to use it.
4. Key Considerations for Effective Accessibility Implementation
User Testing and Feedback
It is crucial to conduct usability testing with users who have disabilities and use time-based media to identify any barriers to accessibility. Use their feedback to improve the timing of captions, the clarity of audio descriptions, and more.
Optimizing Content Management
Ensuring that time-based media remains accessible is an ongoing task, not a one-time effort. Create operational rules for maintaining accessibility, ensuring that new videos or audio content added to the site adhere to accessibility standards.
Conclusion
The success criteria for “time-based media” in JIS X 8341-3:2016 provide essential guidance for ensuring that all users have equal access to media content. Adding captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts is beneficial not only for users with hearing or vision impairments but for a wider audience as well. By following these guidelines, web content accessibility will improve significantly, making your website more inclusive for everyone. We encourage web developers to incorporate these standards and work toward more inclusive designs in their projects.
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If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.