However, based on consumer feedback, caption writers should use this feature more than is current practice. Accents Indicate foreign or regional accents with a one-time description at the beginning of the character's lines. Puns Puns should be explained briefly when feasible. Guidelines for Features General Guideline Consumers have indicated a preference for explicit description or identification over features that assume understanding on the part of the viewer. Color Color was not the preferred method of indication in this study, although it was tested in five different circumstances.
Color is judged unacceptable by more viewers than are many other features.
Flashing Flashing captions were not preferred in the two applications tested in this study, and were unacceptable to an appreciable minority of respondents. Further study may be warranted of whether or how to use this feature. Further study may be warranted of whether or how to use this feature. Italics Italics were less desirable than explicit definition in several contexts. Italics are widely used and should be used less frequently, as their intent is frequently lost on viewers.