‘Write alt text like you’re talking to a friend‘
This article by Scott Vandehey has got to have the best instructions on writing alt text I have ever seen.
A few takeaways:
- Context matters, the same image can be described in different ways
- ‘Decorative’ images are those that do not convey visual information, so that icon on your button is probably not decorative nor is that banner image trying to convey some emotion, emotion is still information.
- Write alt text like you’re talking to a friend. Keep it brief but informative.
What are you waiting for? Go read it!