Because slides should speak too
Turning presentations into inclusive conversations
Audia Slide is a plugin that makes slide presentations in virtual meetings more accessible. Designed to work alongside platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, it supports people with visual disabilities, attention or memory challenges, and anyone who benefits from listening rather than viewing.
It provides real-time narration of slide content and allows users to save, and view slides at their own pace.
SlideDescriber puts accessibility at the center so everyone can stay included and engaged in digital meetings.
The Problem
In virtual meetings, slide decks are widely used, but they are inaccessible to people with visual disabilities. Many users are left relying on the speaker to describe what is on-screen, which rarely happens consistently.
“I usually just sit and wait, hoping someone will describe the slides”
– Mary, our collaborator and a person with a visual disability
Existing tools like screen readers, Otter.ai, or live captions either do not handle slides well or offer limited customization.
How might we empower users with visual and cognitive access needs to independently perceive and control slide content without relying on presenters?
Design Principles: Creating inclusive access without adding effort
To address key user pain points, we grounded our design in four core principles:
Here's what we learned
1.
Effortless Access – The tool should be simple to turn on and work smoothly with keyboard and screen readers, without needing extra setup.
2.
Respect for User Control – Users should always decide what happens and when. The tool must be clear, honest, and easy to understand.
3.
Consistency Across Platforms – Whether used in Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams, the experience should feel familiar and consistent.
4.
Flexibility for Diverse Needs – The design should work well for people who take in information in different ways, whether they need more time, prefer listening, or process things differently.
Research: What users really want
We conducted 1-on-1 interviews and experience mapping with users who access slide content using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or alternative processing styles. Our goal was to understand emotional gaps and design opportunities beyond visual perception.
Here's what we learned
Independence matters more than convenience
Participants preferred tools that let them engage on their own terms, without having to request special access or ask others to explain slides.
Users want direct access to slide content
They don’t want to rely on the presenter to describe visuals, especially when slides carry key information not spoken aloud.
Saving slides for later supports focus and memory
Those with attention or cognitive challenges appreciated being able to pause, revisit, or replay content after the meeting.
Non-visual meaning is still meaning
Tone, humor, emphasis, and layout carry important cues. Participants want these elements described when possible to stay fully engaged.
Design Goal
Don’t interrupt the speaker
→ Minimize Cognitive Load
Narration should not speak over the presenter. Users need space to focus without conflicting audio.
Make it easy to find and use
→ Discoverability & Perceivable (POUR)
The narration feature should be clearly shown, through a button, icon, or shortcut.
Let users choose how they listen
→ User Control & Flexibility
Some users want to hear slides live. Others want to listen later. The tool should support both.
Support keyboard and assistive tools
→ Operable (POUR)
The experience should work smoothly with screen readers and keyboard navigation, without needing a mouse.
Keep the interface clean and focused
→ Reduce Cognitive Load
Only show what’s needed during meetings. Too many buttons or options can overwhelm users.
The Approch
Design Decision
Why Access Technology & Not Assistive Technology
SlideDescriber is framed as access technology because feedback from users highlighted the importance of avoiding tools that feel “special” or set apart.
Many participants shared that the label assistive technology often carries stigma or makes them feel singled out. By defining it as access technology, the emphasis shifts to enabling participation for everyone, without separation.
This approach ensures:
Universal value – Supports users with visual, cognitive, or auditory learning needs.
Inclusive by design – Positions accessibility as a shared standard, not an add-on.
Empowerment over accommodation – Supports independence and user control during digital meetings.
Why a Plugin & Why This Placement
SlideDescriber is designed as a plugin to work directly within Zoom and Google Meet. This approach allows users to access accessibility features without needing to download or learn a new app. Keeping it within the tools people already use makes the experience faster, easier, and more familiar.
The plugin appears as a sidebar, staying visible but never in the way. It can be activated with a keyboard or mouse, making it fully compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers and voice control.
This placement ensures:
Quick access during live meetings
No disruption to the presenter or main content
A smooth, integrated experience for all users
Design Anatomy
Watch the full demo prototype, it's under 3 mins!
Wire Frames
After conducting research and user interviews, we began by creating rough wireframes to explore various ideas.
We then shared these early sketches with a visually impaired user to gather her feedback and insights.
High Fidelity - Version 1
After testing, the feedback helped us refine the design and develop a high-fidelity prototype. We also introduced a new feature that allowed users to collaborate with editors.
However, some UI elements and features did not perform as expected during testing. Based on these insights, we created an improved version through further iterations.
High Fidelity - Version 2
Simplified interface, focused features, and a cleaner design that puts accessibility and ease of use first.
Removed the Collaboration Feature
User testing indicated that the collaboration feature added unnecessary complexity, especially for users relying on assistive technologies.
As accessibility was the primary goal, the feature was removed to streamline the interface and reduce cognitive load. access during live meetings
UI Enhancements
The initial interface included multiple competing elements that affected clarity.
Revised design emphasizes minimalism and usability
Improving typography and alignment for better readability
Highlighting key actions such as “Read,” “Download,” and “Saved Slides”
Enhancing spacing for a more organized layout
Platform Placement
SlideDescriber is a plugin for Zoom and Google Meet.
It appears as a sidebar, and runs quietly in the background. Users activate it via keyboard or mouse, making it compatible with assistive tech and voice-based systems.
Conclusion
SlideDescriber is a plugin for Zoom and Google Meet.
It appears as a toolbar or sidebar, and runs quietly in the background. Users activate it via keyboard or mouse, making it compatible with assistive tech and voice-based systems.
https://youtu.be/720OeXTpCdc
OTHER WORKS
