Re: How to describe Flowcharts, Schematics, etc

Not myself, I only read;
but if I were to want to know,
I'd look for someone who 
described diagrams for
audio books.

Its amazing what works.

HTH DaveP



> Most image on the web are decoration or icons with simple meanings like
> "next page".  so ALT text and long descriptions are relatively
> straightforward.
> 
> But some images convey information.  For example,
> 
> A simple linear sequence, like a flow chart with input going through a
> series of processing stages to result in an output. 
> 
> A tree diagram, like a  company's organization chart.  
> 
> A more general diagram showing a bunch of interconnected objects, e.g. a
> schematic diagram or an electronic circuit.
> 
> The most complex is a 3D machine, in motion if you want to make it even
> harder.
> 
> Are there any guidelines on how to describe these diagrams?  
> 
> For example, you could use lists and nested lists for linear sequences and
> trees respectively.  Or you could use prose.  More general diagrams are,
> well, a more general problem.   What techniques are best for what purposes
> and audiences?  What's good wording, especially for prose decriptions?
> 
> I'm mainly thinking of speech output here, since that's what most blind
> surfers will be using, rather than Braille or tactile graphics.
> 
> This is no doubt hard to encapsulate... at some point you just have to get
> a skilled technical writer, especially for the prose versions...
> 
> Len
> -------
> Leonard R. Kasday, Ph.D.
> Universal Design Engineer, Institute on Disabilities/UAP, and
> Adjunct Professor, Electrical Engineering
> Temple University
> 
> Ritter Hall Annex, Room 423, Philadelphia, PA 19122
> kasday@acm.org        
> (215) 204-2247 (voice)
> (800) 750-7428 (TTY)
>

Received on Wednesday, 11 August 1999 15:31:09 UTC