Complex Images

Alt Text

• Brief and concise (no more than 140 characters)

• Context matters: descriptions for the same image may differ 

• Should be different information than what’s in the text or captions 

• Direct readers to long descriptions if there’s more essential information

• Include information about color only when significant

• Describe only what you objectively see 

• Avoid interpreting or analyzing the the image

Long Descriptions

• Include long descriptions when essential information is lengthy
• Can be written within the text
• Can be written in another document and linked underneath the complex image

Displaying Data

• Tables created in Word and Google Docs are screen reader friendly when table headers are tagged correctly and cells are not merged or split

• Include a Word or Docs data table when using images of graphs and charts

  • This provides two ways to access information

  • Long description not needed with this method

Color: Charts, Graphs, Tables, Diagrams

• Strong contrast between colors is easiest to perceive - use the Color Contrast Analyzer to check for contrast

• Avoid using red to call attention to important information. Bold text instead

• Do not use color alone to indicate meaning
  • Use patterns, shapes, icons, or text in addition to color

Tactile Graphics

• Use tactile graphics when long descriptions aren’t sufficient for understanding material 

• Useful for students with and without disabilities (known as UDL)

• Options include 3D printing, tactile Embossing, clay, puffy paint, pipe cleaners

Resources

1. POET Training Tool - practice writing alt text
2. Cooper Hewitt Guidelines for Image Descriptions 
3. Complex Images (Google Docs Version)

Examples

• NC Museum of Art: Audio Descriptions of Works 

• NC Museum of Art: Tactile Tours