Testing subtitle size with a diverse audience

• We learned that the BBC was seen by many participants as a leader “across the board” in terms of quality and quantity of subtitles
• Surprisingly, fewer participants reported using subtitles online due to smaller screen size, ability to use their headphones, not knowing or not expecting this functionality to be available
• Participants were aware of automated tools and non-professional subtitle creation online and generally experienced a lower quality online than on their TV. Their expectation was that all platforms should have the same level of service
• Our work uncovered a fascinating range of reasons as to why people used subtitles, including:
  • “When I’m putting the little one to sleep.“
  • “My 6-year-old likes to read everything.“
  • “I grew up with subtitles as my dad is deaf.“
  • “To give my ears a rest!“

  This highlights the importance of accurate and timely subtitles, for many different user groups – but for people who are D/deaf and partially deaf, “subtitles are a revelation“.

• The paper exercise, the observation and the ranking exercise concluded that participants preferred the subtitles to jump to the top when the ‘More’ panel was expanded

Our research was a small piece of the puzzle within the complex process of providing subtitle services – some of it included in the BBC’s SMP accessibility improvements, with some of it remaining in the teams’ behind-the-scenes work.