Alternative text

Definition

Alternative text, often abbreviated as 'alt text', is a textual description of images and other non-text content in digital formats, primarily used to improve accessibility for individuals who rely on screen readers. By providing meaningful descriptions, alternative text enhances user experience and ensures that all users can access the same information, regardless of their abilities or the devices they use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alternative text is essential for web accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which aim to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
2. Effective alternative text should be concise yet descriptive enough to convey the meaning of the image without being overly verbose.
3. Images without alternative text can lead to a poor user experience for those using assistive technologies, as they may miss out on important information conveyed by the images.
4. Not only does alternative text assist users with visual impairments, but it also helps search engines understand the content of images, which can improve search engine optimization (SEO).
5. It is important to avoid using phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of' in alternative text since screen readers already announce that an element is an image.

Review Questions

• How does alternative text contribute to making digital content more accessible for users with disabilities?
  • Alternative text enhances accessibility by providing descriptive information about images and non-text content. This allows users who rely on screen readers to understand the context and meaning of visuals, which they cannot see. By including meaningful alternative text, designers ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and comprehend the same information presented on a webpage.
• Discuss the best practices for writing effective alternative text and why they are important in UI design.
  • Best practices for writing effective alternative text include being concise while clearly describing the image's function or content. Avoiding phrases like 'image of' is crucial because screen readers already indicate that the content is an image. These practices are important in UI design as they significantly improve user experience by ensuring that visually impaired users can navigate and understand the interface as seamlessly as sighted users.
• Evaluate the impact of alternative text on both user experience and search engine optimization (SEO) within digital media.
  • Alternative text plays a dual role in enhancing user experience and improving search engine optimization. For users with visual impairments, well-written alt text provides essential context, allowing them to engage with content more fully. In terms of SEO, search engines use alternative text to understand the subject matter of images better, which can lead to higher visibility in search results. Thus, neglecting alternative text can compromise both accessibility for users and the site's overall search performance.

Related terms

Accessibility: The practice of making digital content usable by people of all abilities and disabilities, ensuring everyone has equal access to information and services.

Screen Reader: A software application that converts digital text into synthesized speech, enabling visually impaired users to interact with web content.

User Experience (UX):

The overall experience a user has while interacting with a product or service, encompassing all aspects of usability and satisfaction.