Alternative text

Definition

Alternative text, often referred to as 'alt text,' is a written description that accompanies an image on a website or digital platform. It serves multiple purposes, such as providing context for users who may not be able to see the image, including those with visual impairments using screen readers, and improving search engine optimization. Alt text is crucial for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in digital design by ensuring that all users can understand the content, regardless of their abilities or the devices they use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alt text should be concise, typically between 125 and 150 characters, to ensure clarity without overwhelming the user.
2. Using descriptive language in alt text helps users understand the purpose of the image and its relevance to the surrounding content.
3. Search engines use alt text as a factor in indexing images, which can improve the site's visibility and accessibility in search results.
4. When an image fails to load, alt text provides a fallback description, helping users understand what content is missing.
5. All images should have alt text, but decorative images may use empty alt attributes ('alt=""') to indicate they do not convey meaningful information.

Review Questions

• How does alternative text contribute to creating an inclusive digital experience for users with visual impairments?
  • Alternative text is essential for users with visual impairments as it provides descriptions of images that they cannot see. When using screen readers, these users rely on alt text to understand the context and content of an image, which enhances their overall experience on the site. By including well-written alt text, designers can ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, have access to the information conveyed through images.
• Evaluate the importance of using descriptive language in alternative text for both accessibility and SEO purposes.
  • Using descriptive language in alternative text is vital because it serves dual functions: enhancing accessibility for users with disabilities and improving search engine optimization. Detailed alt text helps screen reader users comprehend the relevance of images while allowing search engines to index the content correctly. This means that effective alt text not only makes digital content more inclusive but also boosts its visibility online, making it easier for users to find relevant information.
• Create a strategy for implementing alternative text effectively across a diverse range of digital media formats.
  • To implement alternative text effectively across different digital media formats, start by establishing clear guidelines for writing alt text that emphasize conciseness and descriptiveness. Train content creators on how to assess which images require alt text based on their significance to the content. Additionally, perform regular audits of existing media to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Finally, stay updated on best practices and technological advancements in accessibility tools to refine the strategy continually.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments to be usable by people with disabilities.

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

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): A set of international guidelines that aim to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.