Exhibit Design Relating to Low Vision and Blindness Summary Report

Current Technology

While hands on exploration is important, technology provides expanded opportunities to interface with exhibits through magnification or description. A variety of software and hardware options are available to deliver descriptive information.

Voice quality

Descriptions delivered through audio files can be recorded human voices or synthetic speech. Text files provide descriptions that can be read by text-to-speech or screen reader software. While synthetic voices are evolving with more natural voice quality, many consumers the general consensus among the consumers was that recorded human voices are preferred. Providing text files of audio descriptions should be offered used in exhibits that can be downloaded are necessary for users who need refreshable Braille.

Hardware and software

Audio delivery can be provided through a variety of hardware options, software formats, and methods of distribution. Off the shelf mp3 style players such as iPods, iPhones, etc. can be provided by the institution or be visitor-owned. Some audio delivery is through proprietary devices. Such devices should be intuitive to use and have ease of navigation.

Audio files can be formatted as .wav, mp3, .mov, or other files. Distribution of audio content can be pre-installed on devices provided by an institution with triggering through wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, infra-red, Bluetooth or cell phone. While some visitors may prefer to use personal cell phones to receive descriptive information, many expressed opposition to using personal minutes, and more importantly draining the battery or tying up the phone that may be needed for business or emergency use. Delivery of audio files may be triggered by GPS technology, which should be carefully evaluated for quality and consistency of reception. Audio files can be provided to users in pre- or post- visit from accessible web sites for listening at on their personal computers or for downloading to their personal audio device or PDA.

Design parameter considerations

Research conducted by the National Center for Accessible Media for the Whitney Museum put forward the following design parameters for shopping for appropriate technologies:

• Allowance for synchronization of caption text and audio description with museum's exhibits and media
• Accessible user interface to blind and visually impaired people via "talking menus," "audible keyboard echoing" of user input and tactile controls
• Device and content management system which enables fast-turnaround content creation and adaptation, authored by museum staff or variety of vendor(s) to enable access at first public opening of exhibits regardless of deadlines
• IR emitter (or other wireless signals) with ability to adjust for narrow-zone coverage and accommodate multiple exhibits within small gallery space
• If using public bandwidth (cell, Wi-Fi, GPS), signals must be able to reach all areas of the museum
• If relying on user-owned equipment, consider battery usage, personal data plan usage, national and international cell network compatibility
• Ruggedized - able to withstand moderate abuse from adult visitors (e.g., dropping the device from a height of four feet)
• Easy to use for visitors - young or old, technophilic or technophobic
• Easy to use for museum staff (for automated or near-automated content loading and reprogramming)
• Programming of device employs contemporary programming techniques (drag-and-drop, pick lists, etc.)
• Uses non-proprietary, industry standard content formats (e.g., .mp3, .txt, .wav, .mov, etc.)
• Protects user privacy, accords with museum IT security needs
• Open architecture - device's on-board software and device management software written in commonly used computer languages to allow for third-party alterations should the vendor no longer be able to support the product
• Extensible - can be "built-out" or evolve over years to add new features and take advantage of new technologies
• Fully customizable look and feel, menus, branding, etc.
• Upgradeable for adding new software, new processors, new memory capacity
• Potential for incorporating (or demonstrating) industry-wide standards for museum access devices
• Interoperable with off-the-shelf technology so alternate hardware could be used
• Able to download content from the web on-site or in advance. (Goldberg, 2010, p. 8).