Back to all projects
zebra
CONTEXT
University
Bachelorthesis at HfG Gmünd
Supervised by: Jens Döring, Fabian Rauch
TEAM
Fabienne Vatter
Nyal Hettmer
DATE
07/2024
Description
Live theater is an immersive experience, but for blind and visually impaired audiences, it often lacks accessibility. Traditional audiodescription workflows are labor-intensive, rely on sighted professionals, and rarely include blind authors all the way in the creative process. Additionally, the process of synchronizing descriptions with performances can be complex and time-consuming. With zebra, we set out to solve these challenges by developing a tool that streamlines, simplifies, and empowers all creators—blind and sighted alike.
A video explaining zebra
zebra is an innovative tool that simplifies and enhances the creation of audio descriptions for live theater. With synchronized scripts, role-specific views, and accessibility-focused features, it streamlines the workflow for both blind and sighted users. A screenreader-optimized interface enables blind authors to contribute from the start, fostering autonomy and inclusion. Developed in close collaboration with audio description professionals, theater makers, and blind users, it breaks down barriers and makes the production of high-quality descriptions more efficient. By improving accessibility, zebra helps create a more inclusive theater experience for all.
Process
Developing zebra was a deeply iterative and research-driven journey. We started by engaging with theater professionals, audiodescription experts, and blind users to understand the real-world challenges in the field. Through hands-on research—including interviews, observations, and workflow analysis—we uncovered inefficiencies and accessibility gaps in existing methods. With this foundation, we moved into prototyping and user testing, refining each feature based on real-world feedback. Our goal was to create a tool that not only enhances efficiency but also fosters seamless collaboration between blind and sighted creators. By integrating zebra directly into existing workflows, we ensure that accessibility is not an afterthought but a core part of the creative process.
Creating live audiodescriptions is extremely time-consuming and demanding. There is often not enough room for true collaboration, especially with blind authors. A tool that structures and simplifies this process could revolutionize the entire workflow and ultimately significantly improve the quality of audiodescriptions
— From our interviews with audiodescription specialists
Key Features & How It Works
zebra simplifies the creation of live audiodescriptions by combining intuitive editing, real-time synchronization, and dedicated interfaces for authors and narrators.
Efficient Editing & Script Management
The editing view allows users to structure, refine, and time audiodescriptions efficiently. Descriptions can be added directly into the script, adjusted with precise timestamps, and collaboratively edited in real time. A clean interface ensures smooth navigation, making the workflow intuitive for both sighted and blind users.
Review & Editorial View
The Editorial View is designed for reviewing and refining descriptions before a performance, especially tailored for visually impaired authors. Users can preview synthesized speech to ensure proper timing. A built-in comment function enables collaboration, while the notes feature allows structured observations without altering the script.
Real-Time Narration with Live Mode
The Live Mode provides a distraction-free, high-contrast interface for narrators, with scrolling text and precise indicators, when an AD is needed. Synchronization with the live-performance ensures seamless delivery, helping speakers keep pace effortlessly.
Enhancing Audiodescription with Early Collaboration
zebra streamlines the entire audiodescription process by allowing blind and sighted authors to collaborate asynchronously. Visually impaired contributors can start working on descriptions much earlier, rather than being involved only at later review stages. This not only enhances efficiency but also improves the overall quality of audiodescriptions by ensuring diverse perspectives are integrated from the start.
Round-Up
zebra is the result of an intensive research and design process, informed by interviews, user testing, and real-world theater applications. Initially stepping into unfamiliar territory, we engaged deeply with audio description professionals, theater makers, and blind users to understand and improve existing workflows. The result is a tool that enables asynchronous collaboration between blind and sighted authors, improving both efficiency and quality.
Our work is rooted in the belief that accessibility should not be an afterthought but a fundamental part of the creative process. By allowing blind authors to contribute earlier and aligning text with video more efficiently, zebra significantly enhances the quality of audiodescriptions while making their production more sustainable for theaters.
