How do you choose text alternatives for emoticons and icons in your web content?
Emoticons and icons are popular ways to add visual flair and express emotions in web content. But how do you make sure that they are accessible to people who use screen readers, text browsers, or other assistive technologies? In this article, you will learn how to choose text alternatives for emoticons and icons that follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Text alternatives are words or phrases that convey the same meaning and function as the non-text content they replace. They are essential for accessibility, as they allow people who cannot see or perceive the non-text content to access the information and interact with the web content. Text alternatives are also useful for search engines, translation tools, and low-bandwidth situations.
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A logo of the TechTron company appears next to each product in a list that is made by that and has a short text alternative that reads, "TechTron." A chart showing sales for October has an short text alternative of "October sales chart". It also has a long description that provides all of the information on the chart.
Emoticons and icons are non-text content that can communicate emotions, actions, concepts, or symbols. However, they can also pose accessibility challenges, as they may not be recognized, understood, or pronounced correctly by screen readers or other assistive technologies. For example, a smiley face icon may be read as "colon dash right parenthesis" or "smiling face with open mouth and smiling eyes" depending on the screen reader and the language settings. Neither of these text alternatives convey the intended meaning and tone of the icon.
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Emoticons and icons need text alternatives for accessibility. They ensure that users with visual impairments, who rely on screen readers, can understand the content. Text alternatives provide descriptive context, aiding semantic understanding and clarity. Additionally, they contribute to SEO by providing searchable textual content. Embracing text alternatives ensures inclusive design, compatibility with assistive technologies, and a positive user experience for all.
The WCAG suggest that text alternatives for non-text content should be equivalent, concise, and appropriate for the context and audience. When selecting text alternatives for emoticons and icons, consider the purpose and function of the emoticon or icon. Is it decorative, informative, or interactive? Is it essential for understanding the content or the navigation? Is it redundant with other text or non-text content? Utilize plain language that describes the meaning and emotion of the emoticon or icon; avoid technical terms, abbreviations, or codes that may not be familiar to users. Furthermore, use punctuation, quotation marks, brackets, or other symbols to indicate that the text alternative is replacing an emoticon or icon. This helps to distinguish the text alternative from the surrounding text and to avoid confusion or ambiguity. For HTML or CSS, use the alt attribute, aria-label attribute, or CSS content property to provide a text alternative for emoticons and icons without altering the visual appearance of the page.
Testing the accessibility of text alternatives for non-text content is possible using various techniques and tools. For example, a screen reader or text browser can be used to check how the text alternatives are read or displayed. Additionally, a web accessibility evaluation tool or browser extension can be used to verify if the text alternatives are present, valid, and suitable. Contrast checkers and color blindness simulators can be used to ensure that the text alternatives are visible and distinguishable from the background and other text. Lastly, asking people with different disabilities, preferences, and languages to review and provide feedback on the text alternatives can be beneficial.
Text alternatives for emoticons and icons should not be static or fixed. Instead, they can be improved and updated through feedback, testing, and changes in web content, user needs, and technology. To do this, review and revise text alternatives regularly to ensure accuracy, relevance, and consistency with non-text content. Additionally, use different text alternatives for different situations, contexts, and audiences. For example, use more formal or descriptive text alternatives for professional or educational web content and more informal or expressive text alternatives for personal or social web content. Finally, consider using emojis or Unicode characters instead of images or custom fonts for emoticons and icons. Emojis and Unicode characters are more accessible and compatible with different devices, browsers, and platforms. Furthermore, they have standardized names and descriptions that can be used as text alternatives. For instance, instead of using an image or a custom font for a heart icon, use the emoji ❤️ or the Unicode character ❤.
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To improve text alternatives for emoticons and icons, focus on descriptive and concise descriptions that convey the intended meaning. Ensure consistency and clarity in your choices, and test alternatives with diverse users to gauge effectiveness. Additionally, consider context and cultural nuances to provide accurate and relevant descriptions. Regularly review and update text alternatives to maintain accessibility and user understanding.
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When you're choosing words to describe smiley faces or symbols on your website, keep it short and clear. Pick words that show what the symbol means, so everyone gets it. Use the same words across different devices to keep things consistent. Remember to think about people who use screen readers and make sure your words work well for them. Avoid confusing or unclear descriptions and check with different people to make sure they understand. If you're using emojis, stick to the usual words that everyone recognizes. Match the way you describe them with the overall style of your website. Doing this makes sure everyone, no matter how they access your site, understands what those symbols mean.
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