See Animated Waveform Feedback During Recording
The Voice Recording Control renders a live animated waveform that responds to audio input levels during an active recognition session. The waveform uses accessible color contrast (WCAG 2.2 AA compliant) and is accompanied by a screen-reader-accessible label indicating 'Recording in progress'. The animation pauses or dims when no speech is detected (noise gate threshold met), providing subtle feedback that the user should speak louder or closer to the microphone. A visible elapsed time counter or pulsing record indicator confirms the session is ongoing.
User Story
Acceptance Criteria
- Given a recording session is active, when the peer mentor is speaking, then the waveform animates with amplitude proportional to input volume
- Given a recording session is active, when the environment is quiet or the mentor is not speaking, then the waveform animation reduces or pauses indicating silence detection
- Given the recording indicator is displayed, when a screen reader is active, then the widget announces 'Recording in progress' or equivalent accessible label
- Given the waveform colors are rendered, when checked against WCAG 2.2 AA contrast requirements, then all animated elements meet minimum contrast ratios
- Given a recording session has been running, when the peer mentor looks at the control, then an elapsed time or pulsing indicator confirms the session is still active
Business Value
Without clear recording feedback, users — particularly older users and those with visual impairments who rely on screen readers — will be uncertain whether the app is listening. Unintuitive feedback leads to repeated failed attempts, frustration, and abandonment of the feature. Animated waveform feedback is the industry-standard pattern for dictation UIs and directly supports the accessibility goals central to all three partner organizations.
Components
- Voice Recording Control ui
- Audio Processing Service service