Your poorly written alt text doesn't go unnoticed...

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

Welcome to the first episode of Discussing Stupid Season 2, where your host Virgil Carroll, along with Chad and Cole from High Monkey, dive into the importance of inclusive design. In this episode, they focus on the often overlooked but crucial aspect of alt text for images.

Virgil, Chad, and Cole discuss the significance of alt text in creating an inclusive digital experience. They emphasize that alt text is not merely about ticking boxes for WCAG or ADA compliance. Instead, it plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for individuals who rely on screen readers. The discussion covers the various types of images—decorative, practical, and informative—and offers insights on how to accurately describe them to improve the digital experience for everyone.

The episode also explores the limitations of relying solely on AI to generate alt text, underscoring the importance of human-crafted, meaningful descriptions that can profoundly impact users who depend on assistive technologies. Furthermore, the team shares practical tips on integrating inclusive design practices into your content creation process, ensuring that your digital content is accessible and understandable to all users.

Throughout the episode, you'll gain valuable knowledge on how to implement best practices for alt text and learn why it's essential to consider inclusivity at every stage of your content lifecycle. By the end of the discussion, you'll be equipped with the tools and insights needed to make your digital content more accessible and inclusive.

Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com.

LINKS

Tools mentioned:

Wave: https://wave.webaim.org/

Lighthouse: https://developer.chrome.com/docs/lighthouse/overview/

Alt text examples from the episode: https://www.discussingstupid.com/p/episode-1-alt-text-examples/

Resources from the Web Accessibility Initiative:

Decorative images: https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/decorative/

Informative images: https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/informative/

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