This Online Comic Book Store is Optimized for Blind Customers
Alyson Wyers — August 23, 2016 — Pop Culture
References: comicsempower & springwise
In a new effort to make comics more accessible, this website created a comic book store online especially for blind people. Comics Empower launched the online space using assistive technology so the site is heard and not seen.
The comic book store uses high contrast screens as well as screen readers. Audio comics are available from existing publishers and Comics Empower creates their own in-house comics as well. Stories are read by one narrator page by page as users go from panel to panel, hearing the speech bubbles and captions aloud.
Although the visual aspect is what differentiates graphic novels and comic books from other stories, this endeavor hopes to be more inclusive of the visually impaired by integrating technology instead of utilizing Braille.
The comic book store uses high contrast screens as well as screen readers. Audio comics are available from existing publishers and Comics Empower creates their own in-house comics as well. Stories are read by one narrator page by page as users go from panel to panel, hearing the speech bubbles and captions aloud.
Although the visual aspect is what differentiates graphic novels and comic books from other stories, this endeavor hopes to be more inclusive of the visually impaired by integrating technology instead of utilizing Braille.
Trend Themes
1. Accessible Comic Books - Creating online comic book stores optimized for the visually impaired opens up new opportunities for inclusive storytelling.
2. Assistive Technology - Using high contrast screens and screen readers in online comic book stores helps make comics more accessible to blind customers.
3. Audio Comics - Developing audio versions of comics provides a new way for visually impaired individuals to enjoy and engage with the medium.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The publishing industry can explore creating more accessible formats for visually impaired readers, such as audio comics.
2. Technology - The technology sector can develop assistive technologies and platforms that enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals in various industries.
3. Entertainment - The entertainment industry, particularly the comic book industry, can embrace inclusive storytelling by leveraging technology to create accessible comic book platforms.
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