data-simplification="low" for atmospheric images?

I wanted to know if a possible use case for data-simplification="low" would
be as a way to mark images which are not entirely decorative but are,
instead, intended to convey an impression or mood.  There is a message that
the author is trying to convey by including such an image, but it would
likely not be important for the end user to know in most circumstances
based on their goals.

As an example, on Apple's Official Support page <https://support.apple.com/>,
a background image is provided, which they've chosen to mark as
decorative.  However, I think you could make the argument that it is
conveying some information or else they wouldn't have chosen that
particular image.  To me, the image is designed to suggest that Apple
support is relaxed, personal, and one-on-one.  It might also be meant to
suggest that Apple support people are cool and not your stereotypical
anti-social computer nerds who are going to make you feel stupid. It
creates an impression.

So the alt text there might be, “Apple support staff providing one-on-one
help in a relaxed, friendly environment.”  Most people wouldn't want that
information, but it isn't totally content-free.  Looking at the spec for
personalization semantics, it seems like data-simplification="low" might be
a way to include the alt text but allow users, through a configuration of
their assistive technology, to ignore it if they chose to.  However, it
doesn't quite seem like the use case fits exactly how you've described the
attribute.  What do you think?  Would this work?  Is there a better option?

Best,
Rob

Received on Friday, 14 February 2020 16:47:25 UTC