This study developed a user-centred interactive tool to enable individuals with visual disabilities to contribute actively to the creation of synthesised audio descriptions (ADs). A pilot study revealed that a substantial number of existing synthesised ADs were rated as unsatisfactory by blind and partially blind users. Subsequent analysis identified pitch, speech rate, pauses, and volume as key areas requiring improvement. Based on these findings, prototype software was developed, enabling users to adjust pitch, phoneme length, and pause length using their own voices. User feedback indicated that the tool has the potential to enhance the audibility of synthesised speech and expand users’ expressive capabilities. This study advanced assistive technology by directly involving individuals with visual disabilities in the creation of ADs. This collaborative approach deepens our understanding of effective speech expression, promotes user-centred design principles, and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable media landscape for all.

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Empowering People with Visual Disabilities in Audio Description Production: Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a User-Centred Synthesised Voice Adjustment Tool

  • Sawako Nakajima,
  • Naoyuki Okochi,
  • Kazutaka Mitobe

摘要

This study developed a user-centred interactive tool to enable individuals with visual disabilities to contribute actively to the creation of synthesised audio descriptions (ADs). A pilot study revealed that a substantial number of existing synthesised ADs were rated as unsatisfactory by blind and partially blind users. Subsequent analysis identified pitch, speech rate, pauses, and volume as key areas requiring improvement. Based on these findings, prototype software was developed, enabling users to adjust pitch, phoneme length, and pause length using their own voices. User feedback indicated that the tool has the potential to enhance the audibility of synthesised speech and expand users’ expressive capabilities. This study advanced assistive technology by directly involving individuals with visual disabilities in the creation of ADs. This collaborative approach deepens our understanding of effective speech expression, promotes user-centred design principles, and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable media landscape for all.