Alt Text: Beyond SEO and Embracing Inclusivity
With the rise of digital technology and our world's increasing reliance on it, the case for web accessibility is louder than ever. To ensure everyone can participate fully in our digital world, we must reconsider some often-overlooked aspects of web design, such as forgetting or can't be bothered to use the 'alt text attribute'. In 2023, in a society that prides itself on inclusivity and acceptance, the use of alt text should be more prevalent than it currently is.
There is a quick guide to adding Alt text below
The alt text attribute, which is short for alternative text, is an HTML attribute that is added to image tags that provides a text alternative to the image. At its core, alt text is designed to describe images to those who cannot see them due to visual impairment or other limiting factors like internet access restrictions.
There can always be more emphasis placed on alt text. In the past, alt text has been primarily focused on search engine optimisation (SEO). Indeed, SEO is a crucial aspect. It helps search engines like Google understand what an image is about, improving the image's searchability and hence the website's visibility. But this is just one facet of alt text's value.
Who uses ALT text?
We must recognise that alt text is an essential tool for accessibility. For users with visual impairments, the alt text describes the image content, enhancing their understanding of the webpage content. Screen readers, which visually impaired individuals use, read aloud the alt text, ensuring that the user gets all the information conveyed through images.
Alt text isn't only valid for those with visual impairments. For users with slow internet connections or those browsing in text-only environments, alt text ensures access to the information conveyed in images. This is particularly important in regions where high-speed internet is not readily available, and you'll be surprised by the number of people in the UK who cannot use 4G or fibre internet speeds!
Moreover, some organisations, such as the NHS, banks, and local governments, restrict image downloads for security reasons. Alt text is a valuable tool for employees in these organisations, providing context when images aren't accessible. Without alt text, these users might lose out on vital information, decreasing the site's usability and productivity.
Inclusivity & Alt Text
The point about inclusivity is crucial. Inclusion and acceptance must be demonstrated through action, not just claims. We risk excluding a segment of our population from digital experiences by not using alt text.
Inclusivity means ensuring everyone can access and understand the information presented regardless of their situation. Ignoring such tools as alt text does a disservice to these goals. It renders content inaccessible to some users, creating a barrier where one needn't exist.
By not leveraging alt text, we inadvertently perpetuate digital exclusion, contradicting the principles of inclusivity and acceptance we claim to uphold. The internet should be a space where everyone can participate fully, irrespective of their capabilities or restrictions. Alt text plays a crucial role in realising this vision.
As we continue to embrace the digital era, let's rethink our approach to web accessibility. SEO is essential, but so is the human experience. It's time to elevate alt text beyond just an SEO strategy. It's about enhancing the web experience for all users and fostering a more inclusive digital space.
Alt Text Conclusion
Remember, accessibility isn't a feature – it's a right. If your website or app doesn't use alt text, consider making it a priority. Let's stop talking about inclusivity and start putting it into practice, one alt text at a time.
