SCULPT
Use images to support your content.
Why is this important?
We add images to our content for many reasons, primarily to communicate more information about the content or the context of the subject of our writing. When adding images it’s important to remember to keep the following in mind.
Avoiding exclusion
Images play a crucial role in conveying information, and ensuring their accessibility means creating inclusive experiences for all users. By carefully considering the impact of images, we contribute to an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with all of your content without unnecessary barriers.
Adding good quality alt text on images makes sure that those who can’t see the image for whatever reason are able to gain the same information as those who are able to see the image.
Smaller file sizes mean less time for the page to load
Choosing the correct size for your images helps to strike the right balance between image quality and loading time, contributing to an overall positive user experience, especially for those with varying internet speeds.
How do I do it?
Creating accessible digital content involving images can be achieved by following these steps:
Choose supportive images
As mentioned, try to select images that enhance the text content and contribute to a better understanding of the information being conveyed. Ensure that the images are relevant and provide valuable context.
Avoid using images instead of text
Never use images as a substitute for textual information. When text is embedded within images, it becomes inaccessible to screen readers. Instead, present textual content as actual text to ensure that everyone can access the information.
Optimise image file sizes
Keep image file sizes in check, especially on the web. Aim for around 150kb to strike a balance between visual quality and loading speed. Optimising image sizes is crucial for a positive user experience, particularly for users with limited bandwidth.
Adding good quality alt text
Try reading Whats the alternative? How to write good alt text from the UK Government website for an idea on what good alt text consists of and how you can improve the alt text that you write. Using guides like this include descriptive alt text for each image.
On Moodle this is easy to add as a box appears when you add each image giving you the option to describe the image.
Alt text should be concise, conveying the content and purpose of the image. This provides users with visual impairments the necessary information to understand the context and content of the image.