Describing images in text
Images can be a very effective way of providing information; however not all people will be able to see images, so the message within the image may be lost.
It is important that information is not conveyed through images alone, but is also supported in the text with a description of what the image is showing. This will ensure that a blind or partially sighted reader is receiving equal access to information.
What is the purpose of an image?
When providing a description you need to be aware of the idea behind the image and why it is being used, for example:
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Is the image used in education? The image may describe a process and a student is asked to name the various stages.
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Is the information in the image more important than the image itself? Here, the image itself may not need to be described, but the information within the image will; for example data from a graph.
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Is the image used purely for decoration? Here, a description may not be needed at all. A simple caption may be all that is required.
If the appearance of the image is important:
When writing a description, it is useful to describe an overview of the features in an image and build this up in stages:
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Always provide the title or reference of an image in the text, so the diagram can be found and cross-referenced easily.
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Begin with a brief overview of the layout of the image in a logical sequence; for example following a clockwise direction.
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Once an overview has been given, build in detail.
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Once the detail and layout has been described, a description of the information or story the diagram is showing can be explained. How much description is given here depends on how the image is being used.
If the information within the image is important:
It is vital that this information is given.
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Always give the title or reference of an image to let a blind or partially sighted person know that an image has been used.
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Review the image and decide what the information being conveyed is and ensure this is described.
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Establish if the information within the image reveals any patterns that will be apparent to a sighted person. For example data within a chart may show a comparison of temperature change for two different regions. It may be easy to see how temperature rises and falls in one region in comparison to another, but this may be missed if just a list of temperatures for each region is given.
Incorporating image descriptions within text
Incorporating an image description within text can work well. For example, if creating a map which gives directions to a building from a train station, it is useful to describe the route in accompanying text. This will greatly help people who have difficulty accessing images and may also aid general readers too. Always include any image reference so a blind or partially sighted reader knows an image has been used.
Using image captions
It can also be effective to provide captions for images; this can be useful for images conveying information, though can be useful for decorative ones too. When using captions, ensure that their layout is consistent; for example, directly below each image. This way a reader knows what they are and where to find them.