Alternative text

Definition

Alternative text, often referred to as 'alt text', is a textual description added to images in digital content that provides context or information about the image for users who may not be able to see it. This text serves as an essential accessibility feature, allowing screen readers to convey the image's purpose and meaning to visually impaired users. By enhancing accessibility, alternative text also improves the overall user experience and plays a crucial role in interface design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alternative text should be concise yet descriptive enough to convey the content and function of the image effectively.
2. Using relevant keywords in alt text can enhance search engine optimization (SEO), making content more discoverable online.
3. Not providing alt text can lead to barriers for users with visual impairments, resulting in a poor user experience.
4. There are different types of alternative text, such as decorative alt text for purely decorative images that do not add context, which can be marked as empty.
5. Best practices recommend avoiding phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of' in alt text since it is already understood that it describes an image.

Review Questions

• How does alternative text contribute to enhancing accessibility for users with disabilities?
  • Alternative text plays a vital role in enhancing accessibility by providing descriptions of images for users who rely on screen readers. These tools convert the written descriptions into speech or Braille, allowing visually impaired individuals to understand the context and meaning of images on a webpage. By ensuring that all visual content is described effectively through alt text, designers can create a more inclusive experience for all users.
• What are some best practices when writing alternative text for images?
  • When writing alternative text, it's important to keep descriptions concise while still being informative. Best practices include avoiding phrases like 'image of' since it's already implied that the description refers to an image. Instead, focus on conveying the essential details and purpose of the image. For decorative images that don’t add meaning, alt text should be marked as empty to prevent screen readers from reading them aloud unnecessarily.
• Evaluate the impact of neglecting alternative text on user experience and interface design.
  • Neglecting alternative text can severely impact user experience by creating barriers for individuals with visual impairments, leading to frustration and disconnection from content. In terms of interface design, this oversight undermines inclusivity and accessibility principles, limiting the reach and effectiveness of digital products. Furthermore, missing alt text can also affect search engine rankings since search engines rely on these descriptions to index images properly, ultimately impacting visibility and engagement with the content.

Related terms

Accessibility:

The practice of making digital content usable for people with disabilities, ensuring everyone can access information and participate fully.

Screen Reader: A software application that converts digital text into speech or Braille, allowing visually impaired users to access content on screens.

User Interface (UI): The means by which users interact with a computer or application, including elements like buttons, icons, and images.