Project Name: Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) in DAISY Working Group
Document Version: 1.2

Prepared by: Joshua A. Miele, Ph.D.
Date: Oct. 3, 2006

Summary

Although the current DAISY standard allows for the possibility of including a variety of image types with DAISY content, this feature has, as yet, remained under used. This is likely due to the lack of specific recommendations regarding graphical content in the DAISY standard. The value of images, charts and graphs in textbooks and other printed materials is beyond question, therefore, it is vital to identify an accepted mechanism for inclusion of such content into DAISY materials. Given the far-reaching scope of the DAISY standard, it is critical to ensure that graphical content be as universally accessible and useful as possible. This working group will develop a simple, achievable set of guidelines for incorporating scalable vector graphics (SVG) into the existing daisy standard as the preferred format for DAISY graphical content. This is because the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) SVG file format is text-based, platform-independent, and allows for a rich internal structure which can be used for extensive textual annotation and semantic navigation. By developing appropriate guidelines for the authoring of SVG content, this working group will begin the work of ensuring that DAISY-compliant SVG will be renderable in a variety of accessible media, such as tactile, audio/tactile, speech, and selectively enhanced visual formats. In addition, the working group will propose detailed roadmaps for the development of software tools and training materials to promote the on-going inclusion of SVG into the future of the DAISY standard.

Project Scope

In Scope

This project will:

Out of Scope

This project will specifically not:

Deliverables

The final outcome of this working group will be a detailed report that will:

Schedule

  1. Oct. 19, 06: Submit project charter for Board approval
  2. Oct. 25, 06: Initial call for participation; confirmation of scope
  3. Oct. 16, 06 – Jan. 2, 07: Finalize and detail user profiles
  4. Jan. 16, 07: Establish sub-committees:
  5. Jan. / Feb.: Face-to-face meeting of entire working group, time and place TBA
  6. Feb. 5, 07: Individual committees draft work plans and circulate for comment
  7. Apr. 2. 07: Committees draft preliminary reports and circulate for comment
  8. May 14, 07: Final committee reports submitted to Group Leader for inclusion in working group final report
  9. Jun. 11, 07: Final report circulated to working group for comment.
  10. Jul 2, 07: Final report submitted to DAISY BOD

Budget/Financial Summary

Travel
$3,000 air travel for key working group members unable to secure funding through other means
Meeting Costs:
$300 Document preparation and production, alternative format production of documents, refreshments, other incidental supplies.

Strategic/Political Issues to be Considered in the Project

SVG is ideal for creation, distribution, and printing of both visual and tactile graphics. In addition, it is emerging as the file format of choice for audio/tactile content, where a computer can provide supplemental audio information to enhance a tactile figure placed on a touch-sensitive input device. Allowing for this capability in the DAISY standards would place DAISY in a strategic position with regard to advanced technologies for learning and testing that require a tactile or audio/tactile component.

It is also essential to develop guidelines for the creation of graphics capable of serving a wide variety of users, including the person requiring a tactile diagram, the low-vision user, and those who wish to view an unenhanced visual image. In addition to its usefulness for providing tactile and audio/tactile output, SVG is an ideal medium for providing low-vision users with graphics that can be magnified and otherwise visually enhanced, as well as for rendering images for mainstream users.

Several companies have join the DAISY Consortium explicitly because they believe that DAISY and SVG are complementary technologies ideal for delivering accessible graphical content. Failure to move on the integration of SVG with DAISY could discourage continued participation in the DAISY Consortium and/or future use of the DAISY format by these companies.

Risk Management

  1. Potential violation of the integrity of the SVG standard
    Risk
    SVG is an international standard for graphical content. It will be important to maintain the integrity of this standard as we develop guidelines for its use in conjunction with DAISY so that all SVG for use with DAISY remains valid SVG.
    Probability
    Low
    Mitigation
    From the outset, our working group will establish formal contacts with the W3C-SVG Working Group. Wherever possible, we will work within the existing SVG standard. If necessary, we will make recommendations to the W3C-SVG Working Group to incorporate necessary DAISY-related modifications into the SVG standard.
  2. Lack of buy-in by current digital content providers
    Risk
    There are already a number of providers of accessible content using the SVG file format as a basis for distribution and production of tactile and audio/tactile diagrams. This working group’s efforts must take into consideration the existing markets and code base, and be minimally disruptive to the commercial interests of current content providers.
    Probability
    Low
    Mitigation
    We will make a significant effort to include representatives from all known accessible SVG content providers in the working group. At all stages, these group members will be given ample opportunity to provide input to all areas of the process. Special care will be taken to ensure that all of their needs are met to the extent possible.
  3. Lack of buy-in from current non-digital accessible graphics producers
    Risk
    Current providers of accessible, graphical content may not fully appreciate the potential offered by DAISY and SVG. Thus it is possible that existing providers of graphics-rich, accessible content (E.G. Braille text books) will be reluctant to use DAISY due to their desire to provide high-quality traditional collage-style or raised-line tactile graphics, despite the ability of SVG to incorporate and enhance such materials into the DAISY format.
    Probability
    medium
    Mitigation
    The working group will develop recommendations for educational materials for this audience that include step-by-step tutorials on producing DAISY content using SVG-enhanced traditional tactile graphics. Finally, we will try to keep the guidelines as straight-forward as possible to minimize confusion and complexity for this group.

Approvals

Project manager: (suggestion) Joshua A. Miele, Ph.D.

Project Manager Reports to: George Kerscher, Secretary General

Project group members: (names or how they are chosen)

Companies and individuals interested in SVG came together to develop the charter. A call for participation will open the working group to all DAISY Members and Friends. Technical experts will continue to be recruited for the working group.

The core representatives on the working group are currently:

Date considered by Board: October 19th, 2006

Approved October 19th, 2006

Budget amount approved in fiscal year 2007: $3,000

(Note: repeat for multiple year project.)

Post Project Evaluation

Did the Project meet scope, deliverables, schedule, budget and quality targets (Yes/No explain)?

Scope:
Deliverables:
Schedule:
Budget:
Quality:

Process

What was done really well?

What could have been done better?

What would you do differently if the Project could be done over again?

What were the lessons learned?

General

Can this Project be considered a success?

Are there any recommendations for future DAISY Projects?

Form: DAISY Consortium Project Charter
Last revised: 2 October 2005
Status: version 8, form approved initially by Board 6th of May 2004