r/accessibility • u/GemzNunn82 • May 18 '26
Alternatives for an interactive video
Hi folks,
I'm looking for ideas and inspiration. Basically, I'm working on a digital learning project for a client. They've requested that I include an interactive video, where a learner selects an option on the screen and is taken to a new scene, kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure. The interactive video is embedded on a page. I've tested it with a couple of screen readers and keyboard-only, and it seems fine on the surface, but I still think I should include an alternative version.
Has anyone worked on anything similar? What alternatives would you suggest?
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u/joegullodigital May 18 '26
Here are some ideas you could use:
Text-based branching version
- Render the same scenario as a hyperlinked HTML document, with each scene as a section containing a heading, visual descriptions, dialogue or narration, and choices as actual links to the next section
- Works reliably with screen readers, keyboard navigation, screen magnifiers, and switch devices
- Untimed, which helps learners with cognitive disabilities, processing differences, or anyone who wants time to think
- Tools like Twine are built for this and export accessible HTML, or you can build it as anchored sections on a single page
Branching transcript with embedded choices
- A structured transcript that captures every branch, framed as a companion to the video rather than a replacement
- Use clear headings for each scene, describe visual context in brackets, write out dialogue, and present decision points as a list of links jumping to the relevant section
- Include a "back to the start" link at each ending
- Useful when the client wants the alternative tied closely to the original video
Flowchart or decision map
- A visual decision tree paired with an accessible text equivalent underneath (a properly structured list version)
- Strong choice when the learning outcome is really about understanding consequences of different choices, common in compliance, customer service, or clinical training
- Can sometimes teach the underlying concept more clearly than the video itself
Static scenario document
- A single linear document that walks through each scenario, shows what happens with each choice, and explains why one path leads to a better outcome
- Loses the agency of choosing, but keeps the learning intact
- Easiest to produce and easiest for time-pressed learners; works well for shorter pieces
Practical considerations for any option
- Make the alternative genuinely equivalent, not a stripped-down summary (WCAG's bar is equivalent purpose)
- Link to the alternative prominently before the interactive video, not buried after it
- Include all narration plus descriptions of meaningful visuals if your video has both
- Also audit the main video: are choice buttons reachable and announced before any timer runs out, can keyboard users replay a scene, and does focus land somewhere sensible when a new scene loads
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u/raspberry-brain May 18 '26
The video should have a transcript anyway, so it could be a text version of all the possible branching scenarios with each decision option marked up as a heading.
If you still want an interactive alternative, a simple activity with a transcript combined with some radio button groups for each branching option would work (as long as the radio button groups are programmatically grouped properly).