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public:nnels:etext:images:general_guidelines [2021/08/02 11:57]
rachel.osolen 		public:nnels:etext:images:general_guidelines [2024/02/20 12:19] (current)
rachel.osolen [Average Times for Writing and Editing Alt-text]
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 =======General Guidelines======= =======General Guidelines=======
  
-Writing short and concise alternative text is something of an art, as the information needed from each image is not always the same. This page goes over some general guidelines of how to write image descriptions. Go back to How to Write Alt-text for more documentation, or check out the page for Samples of Alt-text.+Writing short and concise alternative text is something of an art, as the information needed from each image is not always the same. This page goes over some general guidelines of how to write image descriptions. Go back to [[public:nnels:etext:images#how_to_write_alt-text|How to Write Alt-text]] for more documentation, or check out [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt_text_examples|Samples of Alt-text]].
  
-<tip>Before you write your image description, ask yourself “If there is no description what would the reader miss? This can help you narrow down what are the most important parts of the image to describe. Remember context is always key!</tip>+<note tip>Before you write your image description, ask yourself “If there is no description what would the reader miss? This can help you narrow down what are the most important parts of the image to describe. Remember context is always key!</note>
  
 Alt-text is read as a single line of text within the figure or image tags of an EPUB. Because of this there can be no complex formatting, including even paragraph breaks. This means it is very important to be strict with your punctuation. Punctuation will help create pauses for the screenreader. Alt-text is read as a single line of text within the figure or image tags of an EPUB. Because of this there can be no complex formatting, including even paragraph breaks. This means it is very important to be strict with your punctuation. Punctuation will help create pauses for the screenreader.
  
-There used to be a rule that Alt-text had to be 120 characters long, but this is no longer the case. You need to still aim to be as direct and concise as possible to avoid cognitive overload. This means that most Alt-text only needs to be 2-5 sentences long. Remember that it will be read all at once, which is why we have to be so careful with how we write it. Editing will become your friend. For more information, go to the section on [[Editing Alt-text]]. A good general rule is if the image requires more than 5 sentences for a description, or would benefit from the use of multiple modalities (i.e. tables or lists), then you can create a Complex Description.+There used to be a rule that Alt-text had to be 120 characters long, but this is no longer the case. You need to still aim to be as direct and concise as possible to avoid cognitive overload. This means that most Alt-text only needs to be 2-6 sentences long. Remember that it will be read all at once, which is why we have to be so careful with how we write it. Editing will become your friend. For more information, go to the section on [[public:nnels:etext:images:how_to_edit_alt-text|Editing Alt-text]]. A good general rule is if the image requires more than 5 sentences for a description, or would benefit from the use of multiple modalities (i.e. tables or lists), then you can create a [[public:nnels:etext:images:complex_images|Complex Description]].
  
-<note>A person's Cognitive Load is how much information they can store in their working memory. The average person can remember 5-7 items at one time. More than this can lead to cognitive overload. When writing Alt-text you need to aim for clarity and precision to avoid this. You can also learn more on how to do this in the Editing section</note>+<note>A person's ''Cognitive Load'' is how much information they can store in their working memory. The average person can remember 5-7 items at one time. More than this can lead to cognitive overload. When writing Alt-text you need to aim for clarity and precision to avoid this. You can also learn more on how to do this in the [[public:nnels:etext:images:how_to_edit_alt-text|Editing section]].</note>
  
-<note> All images *must* have Alt-text. Only decorative images have empty Alt-tags. In our workflow we remove all decorative images unless they are used as content breaks. See the wiki section for Content Breaks.</note>+<note>All images *must* have Alt-text. Only decorative images have empty Alt-tags. In our workflow we remove all decorative images unless they are used as content breaks. See the wiki section for [[public:nnels:etext:text-breaks|Content Breaks]].</note>
  
 General guidelines for writing are as follows: General guidelines for writing are as follows:
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 <note>If you use terminology in a description, make sure to choose the same words that are present in the text. You need to match the reading level of your audience.</note> <note>If you use terminology in a description, make sure to choose the same words that are present in the text. You need to match the reading level of your audience.</note>
  
-If the image is repeated, you can shorten the image description depending on the context. If the image is in a sequence, or goes over 2 pages, go to Images Over 2 Pages and Images In a Sequence for more information.+If the image is repeated, you can shorten the image description depending on the context. If the image is in a sequence, or goes over 2 pages, go to [[public:nnels:etext:images:multiple_images|Multiple Images: Images Over 2 Pages, Images In a Sequence, and Grouped Images]] for more information. 
 + 
 +Does the image include a character in the story, or a person in a fiction book? Is this the first time you are introduced to them? If this is the first time the character/person appears in the book, you will want to describe what they look like in greater detail. Afterwards, you can reference them by name and you only have to describe what is different (age, clothing, etc.). Don't name a character/person before they are named in the surrounding text. No spoilers! 
 + 
 +<note>Sometimes repetition can not be avoided. If it is a book full of team photos of athletes standing in three or more rows, you can repeat this information over different yet similar the images throughout the book as it fits the context. If there are a lot of photos of people posing for a camera, smiling at a camera, etc. it is okay to repeat this. The images are not grouped images, but similar images. Remember, at the end of the day we are replacing images with text. [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|When in doubt, ask!]]</note> 
 + 
 +<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note>
  
 =====Write with a Clear Structure===== =====Write with a Clear Structure=====
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-If you removed the end sentence, it would still be a complete image description. Infact, the first sentence can be enough for an image description. This is a great example of how to go from the general to the specific in an order that makes sense to the reader. You want to walk the reader through the description and avoid any confusion.+If you removed the end sentence, it would still be a complete image description. In fact, the first sentence can be enough for an image description. This is a great example of how to go from the general to the specific in an order that makes sense to the reader. You want to walk the reader through the description and avoid any confusion. 
 + 
 +<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note> 
 + 
 +=====Be Concise===== 
 + 
 +Use plain, simple, direct language and be precise. The description should be accessible to any reading level. For example, if you are describing a leafy tree do not use the word deciduous as it is too complex, be simple and direct and use green leafy tree.  
 + 
 +<note>The only exception to this would be if the surrounding text talks about deciduous trees. Context is always paramount!</note> 
 + 
 +Always be culturally aware and sensitive to what you are describing. You may need to do some research to find the right words to describe a piece of clothing, or a part of a diagram, but using the right terminology will not only help you be more concise, it will also ensure you are being respectful. 
 + 
 +Avoid phrases like “image of”, “table of”, etc.. The screenreader will already pick up that it is an image or table, so writing this will be repetitive and redundant. 
 + 
 +You can mention the type of image if it fits the context of the book. If you have a book that is all black and white images, or another specific yet consistent style, you only need to provide this information in the first image description--don’t repeat it in the following images. 
 + 
 +For example, the first image’s Alt-text would read: "A black and white photograph of a teenage Asian girl looking out a window on a train." All following images will only have the image description //without// the phrase "A black and white photograph" (i.e. "The teenage Asian girl stands on the platform of a train station with her luggage on the ground beside her. She waves with a smile on her face."). 
 + 
 +If the style changes in the book, for example all the images where photographs and then there is a newspaper clipping, state at the beginning of the image description for the newspaper clipping what it is: “A newspaper clipping with a headline that reads: “...”” For the photograph that directly precedes the newspaper clipping state it is a photograph: “A photograph of …” 
 + 
 +<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note>
  
 =====Present Tense and Action Verbs===== =====Present Tense and Action Verbs=====
  
 Being clear, direct, and concise is essential to a well written image description. It can also be a challenge! This is why it is recommended to use Present Tense and Active Verbs as it will help to tighten up your description and make it tick all the right boxes. Check out Grammarly’s page on [[https://www.grammarly.com/blog/active-vs-passive-voice/|Active Voice for more information]]! Being clear, direct, and concise is essential to a well written image description. It can also be a challenge! This is why it is recommended to use Present Tense and Active Verbs as it will help to tighten up your description and make it tick all the right boxes. Check out Grammarly’s page on [[https://www.grammarly.com/blog/active-vs-passive-voice/|Active Voice for more information]]!
 +
 +Another way to think about it is to describe what is in the image as it is happening in real time!
  
 Grammar is very important to writing Alt-text. If your word choice and punctuation is wrong or off the screenreader will pick this up and your description will not make sense. You can not create paragraph breaks in Alt-text, so punctuation can be used to create pauses and structure. Grammar is very important to writing Alt-text. If your word choice and punctuation is wrong or off the screenreader will pick this up and your description will not make sense. You can not create paragraph breaks in Alt-text, so punctuation can be used to create pauses and structure.
 +
 +<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note>
  
 =====Be Objective===== =====Be Objective=====
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 Describe what you can see such as physical appearances and actions rather than intentions based on your interpretations or judgment calls. Never be subjective, the reader should be able to come to their own conclusions about any image.  Describe what you can see such as physical appearances and actions rather than intentions based on your interpretations or judgment calls. Never be subjective, the reader should be able to come to their own conclusions about any image. 
  
-<note>Generally speaking, you should aim to be neutral and informative in your writing. That being stated, try to match the tone of the book. Fiction books, and books for younger readers can have a more narrative style to their descriptions. If you are working on a Children’s Book, go to Children’s Books for more information.</note>+<note>Generally speaking, you should aim to be neutral and informative in your writing. That being stated, try to match the tone of the book. Fiction books, and books for younger readers can have a more narrative style to their descriptions. If you are working on a Children’s Book, go to [[public:nnels:etext:kids-books|Children’s Books]] for more information.</note>
  
 Read the text around the image. If there is a person, place, or object that is named in the text, then use the name in your description. If there is a repeated character or place, only describe in detail the first time and then simply name the character/place in any following images. Read the text around the image. If there is a person, place, or object that is named in the text, then use the name in your description. If there is a repeated character or place, only describe in detail the first time and then simply name the character/place in any following images.
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 <note>Do not name characters in images before they are introduced in the text. No spoilers!</note> <note>Do not name characters in images before they are introduced in the text. No spoilers!</note>
  
-**Example** +<note tip>Read your description after you write it without looking at the image. Can you recreate the image based solely on your image description? Only write about what you see and what you know. Alt-text should always provide a direct representation of the image and what it conveys visually.</note>
- +
-<tip>Read your description after you write it without looking at the image. Can you recreate the image based solely on your image description? Only write about what you see and what you know. Alt-text should always provide a direct representation of the image and what it conveys visually.</tip>+
  
 Expressions can be tricky. Words and phrases such as “grinning”, “intense look”, or “serious expression”, might be somewhat interpretive, depending on the context. If possible, describe how the physical characteristics appear. For example, instead of saying “surprised look”, say “raised eyebrows and a wide open mouth”. Some words and phrases for expressions are more universal such as: Expressions can be tricky. Words and phrases such as “grinning”, “intense look”, or “serious expression”, might be somewhat interpretive, depending on the context. If possible, describe how the physical characteristics appear. For example, instead of saying “surprised look”, say “raised eyebrows and a wide open mouth”. Some words and phrases for expressions are more universal such as:
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   * Grimace   * Grimace
  
-<note> Only describe the facial expression if it is important to the context of the image. When in doubt ask on the [[Alt-text Q&A]]</note>+<note> Only describe the facial expression if it is important to the context of the image. When in doubt ask on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-text Q&A]]</note>
  
-Skin tone and Gender also needs to be objective. Go to **Skin tone and Gender** to learn more.+Skin tone, Age and Gender also needs to be objective. Go to [[public:nnels:etext:images:skin_tone_gender_and_age|Skin tone, Gender and Age]] to learn more.
  
-=====Be Concise=====+<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note>
  
-Use plain, simple, direct language and be precise. The description should be accessible to any reading level. For example, if you are describing a leafy tree do not use the word deciduous as it is too complex, be simple and direct and use green leafy tree. The only exception to this would be if the surrounding text talks about deciduous trees. Context is always paramount! 
  
-Always be culturally aware and sensitive to what you are describing. You may need to do some research to find the right words to describe a piece of clothing, or a part of a diagram, but using the right terminology will not only help you be more concise, it will also ensure you are being respectful.+=====Don’t censor=====
  
-Avoid phrases like “image of”, “table of”, etc.. The screenreader will already pick up that it is an image or table, so writing this will be repetitive and redundant.+Remember, you are creating a written description that replaces a visual image. The reader needs to be able to have access to what is important in that image, and this means we never censor image descriptions. 
  
-You can mention the type of image if it fits the context of the book. If you have a book that is all black and white images, or another specific yet consistent style, you only need to provide this information in the first image description--don’t repeat it in the following images.+<note>If you are uncomfortable describing a scene, whether it is violent, sexual, or something else that you feel you cannot objectively describe, you must ask someone else to describe the content.</note>
  
-For example, the first image’s Alt-text would read: "A black and white photograph of a teenage Asian girl looking out a window on a train." All following images will only have the image description //without// the phrase "A black and white photograph" (i.e. "The teenage Asian girl stands on the platform of a train station with her luggage on the ground beside her. She waves with a smile on her face.").+<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note>
  
-If the style changes in the book, for example all the images where photographs and then there is a newspaper clipping, state at the beginning of the image description for the newspaper clipping what it is: “A newspaper clipping with a headline that reads: “...”” For the photograph that directly precedes the newspaper clipping state it is a photograph: “A photograph of …”+=====Average Times for Writing and Editing Alt-text=====
  
-=====Don’t censor=====+The following is a breakdown of the average writing time for Alt-text: 
 +^Image Type ^Average Work Hours ^ 
 +|Simple image | 3 minutes per image | 
 +|Medium image | 20 minutes per image | 
 +|Complex image | 35 minutes per image |
  
-Remember, you are creating a written description that replaces a visual image. The reader needs to be able to have access to what is important in that image, and this means we never censor image descriptions. +<note>These estimates may increase when you factor in editing.</note>
  
-<note>If you are uncomfortable describing a scene, whether it is violent, sexual, or something else that you feel you cannot objectively describe, you must ask someone else to describe the content.</note>+The following is an average breakdown for editing images: 
 +^Image Type ^Average Edit Hours ^ 
 +|Simple image | 1 minutes per image | 
 +|Medium image | 10 minutes per image | 
 +|Complex image | 25 minutes per image | 
 + 
 +<note>Sometimes images will require so research on your end and will take longer than average. For example, when describing art, you want to use the right terminology for the style of art you are describing and a quick search on the art piece or artist can help. This is also try for culturally specific items. For more information, go to [[public:nnels:etext:glossary_of_terms|Glossary of Alt-text Terms]] and [[public:nnels:etext:images:general_guidelines|General Guidelines]].</note> 
 + 
 +<note tip>If you have any questions, post your question on the [[public:nnels:etext:images:alt-text_q_a|Alt-Text Q&A]]</note> 
 + 
 +<note tip>Go to [[public:nnels:etext:images:writing_tip_point_form|Writing Tip: Using Point Form Technique]] for a breakdown on how you can start the writing process</note>
  
 +[[public:nnels:etext:images|Return to Images main page]]
public/nnels/etext/images/general_guidelines.1627930625.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/08/02 11:57 by rachel.osolen

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