How to write text descriptions (alt text) in BBC News articles
I saw this article via Susi Miller on LinkedIn. It provides guidance for staff writers at the BBC News on how to write alt text, or as they call it, text descriptions for digital images. The page describes the different types of images (decorative, informative, functional, images of text, and complex images) and provides some real-world examples of each. It also discusses how to write text to describe people and the difference between captions and alt text.
In referring to a text description (alt text), the article states (and I love this), “It must be considered as editorially important as any other element such as photos, graphics, videos, captions, or the wonderful words you have written.”
Writing Effective Image Descriptions or “Alt Text”
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has some great resources for making content more accessible in short, digestible chunks. They have a bulleted list of tips for writing effective alt text. All of the items on the list are great, but I especially liked the first and last items:
- “Brief is generally better. Remember, syllables are time.”
- “Alt text reflects your professionalism just as much as your choice of images. Spell words correctly, or they will be pronounced incorrectly.”
Toolbox Tip: How to Write Alt Text Descriptions
In this 10 minute video from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), Haley (Shust) Penrod discusses the purpose of alt text, asks a series of questions to answer when to use alt text, and offers five tips for writing effective alt text. She also provides a bunch of concrete examples throughout the video.