18 Questions
What is the primary purpose of alternative (alt) text attributes?
To provide a brief description of the meaning or purpose of the image for screen readers
What should be considered when writing alternative text for an image?
The image's context and the information it conveys
When is descriptive text required for an image?
When the information that must be conveyed exceeds the recommended alt text limit
What should be included in the descriptive text surrounding an image?
A brief summary of the image's main theme and details about the data
What is the purpose of including a descriptive text surrounding an image?
To provide additional information about the image's content and context
Why is it important to include alternative text attributes and descriptive text for images?
To provide the same information to users with and without visual impairments
What should be done with images that provide no additional meaning or purpose?
Set the alternative text attribute to an empty string
Why do users without visual or cognitive impairments benefit from accessible images?
They can save data by turning off images
What is the primary purpose of providing descriptive text and alt text for images?
To convey the same level of meaning for users with impairments or users who have turned off images
What type of images should have an empty string as the alt text?
Decorative images
What is the main difference between decorative and informative images?
Decorative images convey no meaning, while informative images convey meaning
Why should you write alt text and descriptive text when you write the content that surrounds the image?
Because it's part of the content and ensures complete information
What should you consider when writing alt text for an image?
How you would verbally describe the image to another person
What is the purpose of the alt text and descriptive text combination?
To provide the same level of meaning for all users
Why should you not duplicate information in the alt text and descriptive text?
Because it's redundant and unnecessary
What should you do if you're unsure whether an image is informative or decorative?
Remove the image and determine if any needed information or meaning is missing
What is the benefit of writing descriptive and alt text for an image?
It improves the user experience and empathy for users with disabilities
What types of images are always informative?
Screenshots, flowcharts, architectural diagrams, and graphs
Study Notes
Importance of Accessible Images
- Accessible images provide crucial meaning and value for users with impaired or no vision, or those who have trouble processing a lot of information or are easily distracted.
- Users with visual or cognitive impairments, or those who turn off images to save data, rely on screen readers to gain an understanding of images.
- All users must be able to get the same information from the alt text and surrounding text as if they could see the image.
Alternative (Alt) Text Attributes
- Alternative (alt) text attributes are required for all images.
- Alt text contains a brief description of the image's meaning or purpose, and is context-dependent.
- If the image provides no additional meaning or purpose, the alt text attribute is set to an empty string.
Descriptive Text
- Descriptive text is required when the information exceeds the recommended alt text limit.
- Descriptive text provides a brief summary of the image and describes the data provided in the image as it applies to the surrounding context.
- For complex images, such as diagrams, charts, and infographics, provide as much information as possible in the descriptive text surrounding the image.
Image Types
- Images can be either decorative or informative.
- Decorative images convey no meaning and their alt text is set to an empty string.
- Informative images provide information and meaning for the user and always need alt text that summarizes the meaning conveyed by the image.
Best Practices for Alternative and Descriptive Text
- Write alt text and descriptive text when creating the content that surrounds the image.
- Writing alt text after the initial content is drafted is usually less complete and effective.
- Good descriptive and alt text requires thought and effort, considering users with and without disabilities.
- Writing concise yet meaningful alternative text takes time and practice.
Learn the importance of accessible images for users with visual and cognitive impairments, and how to create inclusive design for all users.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
