> Wow, I was off the net for a day and I missed all this great discussion. WelI, here
> are my thoughts.
>
> I agree with the key points that access for blind users is necessary (and not
> necessarily too difficult), and this would be of benefit for all users. Text
> descriptions would have great utility ( whether presented visually, auditory, or in
> Braille), however a text only browser is not a must, .
I agree, but let me say this: If we are going to be concerned with the
needs of those who have impaired senses (as we should), then we should
investigate how we are to support VRML in text. Again, let me suggest the
Closed-Caption textbox that we could make use of to support those who
cannot hear well. The same text could be run through a sight-impaired
person's reader for spoken output. As long as the text is there, we could
allow normal users to turn it on and read the comments as they tour a new
space. This would make it much easier for someone to learn a new area.
We put comments in our code, why not in our VRML spaces? If you are
walking through someone's house for the first time, chances are they are
giving you a tour. They show you where things are, and how to deal with
certain odd features and rules. That way you acclimatize more quickly.
Doesn't a VRML space need the same sort of introduction? And, since you
can't be present twenty four hours a day, shouldn't there be some sort of
automatic system for getting things explained?
If I had the capability, I'd put text comments on everything I put into a
space that was intended to be somewhat like the real world. (Obviously, a
Dali/Escher space would be difficult to tag.) Since VRML allows the
creation of objects which are not subject to the physical laws ofthe real
world, we will see contructions and objects which will require more
identificaton and description than just a view. (Not to mention the objects
created by less skilled individuals, which would defy comprehension. :)
VRML space, in my opinion, will require much more active explanation than
the real world.
Of course, none of the above suggests a "requirement" which I would expect
to halt or slow progress on VRML. If, in order to give the industry a
foothold, we had to put up with silent movies, I'm sure we can deal with
descriptionless VRML.
"I want -MY- Vee Ahr Mel!"
---
Andrew C. Esh mailto:[email protected]
Computer Network Technology [email protected] (finger for PGP key)
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