RE: Further clarification on 'communicating meaning' with respect to alt text and color contrast needed?

There is no right answer to this question. Some assistive technology users say they like to hear alternate text that conveys the feeling that decorative images are intended to provide. Other people say this adds no value and slows them down. Whatever you do, some people will say it’s wrong.

In my view, all you can do is decide on a policy, document it and make sure it is understood by the relevant people such as content creators. You can periodically review the policy in the light of any feedback you receive.

I really don’t lose any sleep over this. On an accessibility impact scale of 0 to 10, this is somewhere very close to 0. Most websites have far more important things to worry about.

Steve Green
Managing Director
Test Partners Ltd


From: caroline <woodward.caroline@gmail.com>
Sent: 15 December 2022 06:22
To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
Subject: Further clarification on 'communicating meaning' with respect to alt text and color contrast needed?

Recently, I've wondered whether further clarification about images 'communicating meaning' is needed, and curious if others have wondered about this too.

The topic of when something meets the definition of 'decorative' often surfaces when in discussions with other accessibility specialists, which naturally also includes whether something needs alt text or not.

'Essential' or 'meaningful' still seems ambiguous. I personally feel it depends on the context. I've heard folks talk about how illustrations should have enough color contrast for low-vision users to recognize what it is. But the images being discussed weren't communicating anything to the user. They were brand-related illustrations used to help ground the space and make the page look nice. Another felt that people should have access to the emotion being exuded by the image. Hearing this, I'm inclined to think that it would depend on the context, like whether there is value in the person being informed that a person is smiling.

There's also considering the audible experience and how random descriptions like 'two hands shaking' sound if it isn't critical to helping the user understand something. These conversations go in circles.

My concern is the impact of not being able to agree on when something meets the definition of decorative because of its impact. It affects the people who are trying to learn from us and those we advocate for.

This topic isn't limited to where I work, but since it came up again, it's really been on my mind.

Thanks for bearing with my long-windedness and in advance for any 2 cents that may bubble up.