Visual impairment and presence

Abstract

In this paper we compare levels of presence between sighted audiences and those with a visual impairment accessing audiovisual media via Audio Description (AD). AD is a verbal commentary conveying visual information. Anecdotal evidence suggests AD is at its best when the user is unaware of it. The strength of this 'perceptual illusion of non-mediation' [8] may therefore be a useful measure of effective AD. This paper discusses the results of two studies comparing the impact of sound effects and verbal pictures on dimensions of presence (spatial presence, ecological validity, engagement and negative effects) in people with varying levels of sight for audio-only and audiovisual media. Findings suggest AD influences the various dimensions of presence in different ways. Spatial presence and ecological validity are enhanced when media form is reflected in the AD script, while engagement is affected by content comprehension. Most surprisingly, levels of presence for those with visual impairments can exceed those of the sighted audience when an audiovisual stimulus is accessed via AD of an appropriate style. Possible reasons for this are discussed.

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