Alt text

Definition

Alt text, or alternative text, is a textual description that is added to an image in digital content, primarily serving to improve accessibility for individuals who may not be able to see the images. It allows screen readers to convey the image's meaning and context to visually impaired users, making digital content more inclusive. Additionally, alt text can provide information when images fail to load, enhancing user experience across various devices and platforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alt text should be concise yet descriptive enough to convey the essential information about the image.
2. Search engines use alt text to understand the content of images, which can improve a website's SEO performance.
3. Properly written alt text can enhance the overall accessibility of websites, making them compliant with legal standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
4. Alt text should avoid phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of,' as these do not add value to the description and waste valuable character space.
5. Including alt text in all images on a webpage contributes to a more inclusive digital environment for all users.

Review Questions

• How does alt text enhance accessibility for users with visual impairments?
  • Alt text enhances accessibility by providing a written description of images that can be read aloud by screen readers. This allows visually impaired users to understand the context and significance of images within the content. By including well-crafted alt text, web developers ensure that their digital environments are inclusive, enabling all users to access information equally, regardless of their ability to see images.
• Discuss the role of alt text in improving both user experience and search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Alt text plays a dual role in enhancing user experience and boosting search engine optimization. For users, alt text ensures that individuals who rely on screen readers can access visual content effectively, improving their overall interaction with the website. From an SEO perspective, search engines utilize alt text to index images properly and understand their relevance to search queries. This can lead to better visibility in search results and increased web traffic.
• Evaluate the implications of not using alt text in digital content regarding legal compliance and user inclusivity.
  • Not using alt text in digital content can have serious implications for both legal compliance and user inclusivity. Legally, many countries require websites to meet accessibility standards such as the WCAG; failure to comply can result in lawsuits or penalties. Moreover, without alt text, visually impaired users are excluded from accessing vital information conveyed through images. This lack of inclusivity not only impacts user engagement but also reflects poorly on the organization's commitment to diversity and accessibility.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities, ensuring equal access and usability.

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

User Experience (UX): The overall experience a person has when interacting with a product or service, focusing on ease of use and satisfaction.