How do you describe a silent product video for someone who cannot see it?

Identify what the picture explains

For a hypothetical case-opening clip, the useful information may be that a lid lifts, a compartment becomes visible and an accessory remains outside the case. Record those actions in their actual order. “An elegant product reveal” describes style but does not explain the content.

W3C distinguishes description of visual information from captions of audio. Choose an appropriate descriptive transcript, integrated narration or another supported alternative with an accessibility reviewer. A single written note does not establish full accessibility conformance.

Create an action-to-description map

Keep the wording factual and concise. Describe only information necessary for understanding rather than every decorative light movement.

Download the video action timeline CSV worksheet and fill it with your own authorized evidence in a spreadsheet editor. The included row is clearly fictional, not a measured result. Version, scope, reviewer and status fields support a manual handoff; CartVisual does not automatically inspect your store, verify facts or certify accessibility.

Fit the chosen alternative

If narration is added externally, leave enough time for the essential description. If a separate transcript is used, make it easy to find beside the player. Ensure that the destination actually supports the chosen track or alternative. CartVisual does not produce an audio-description track automatically.

Review equivalent understanding

Ask an appropriate reviewer whether the alternative communicates the same essential product story. Correct unsupported implications in both the video and the description. Use feature evidence and real versus generated footage when the clip combines different evidence types.

Describe the visible sequence without adding a claim

Invented silent sequence: the closed case appears, its lid lifts, an empty compartment becomes visible, and a small tool remains on the table beside it. A draft alternative is: “A closed case sits on the table. Its lid opens to show an empty compartment. The tool remains beside the case.” This describes the picture; it does not establish that the tool is included, fits inside or was physically tested.

For prerecorded video-only media, W3C describes equivalent information through a time-based-media alternative or an audio track. Requirements for synchronized media differ. Choose and evaluate the appropriate alternative with the complete player context. The linked CSV contains one fictional pending row with timings to measure, not completed timing evidence. A new export needs its own sequence review; a generic “elegant reveal” summary loses the essential action.