Image Redundant Alt
Minor - WCAG LEVEL AAA
The issue of redundant alternative text occurs when the alt attribute of an image repeats information that is already conveyed in the surrounding text. This redundancy can lead to a poor user experience for screen reader users, as it forces them to hear the same information multiple times, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
This issue matters because screen reader users rely on alternative text to understand the content and context of images. When the alt text is redundant, it adds unnecessary noise to the auditory experience, making it harder for users to efficiently navigate and understand the content.
To fix this issue:
Review the content surrounding the image. If the information conveyed by the image is already present in the text, set the alt attribute to an empty string (alt=""). This tells screen readers to skip the image, avoiding repetition.
If the image adds unique information not covered by the surrounding text, ensure the alt text succinctly conveys that information.
Best practices:
Ensure that alt text is concise and descriptive, providing only the information necessary to understand the image's purpose.
Avoid using phrases like "image of" or "picture of," as screen readers already announce the presence of an image.
Common mistakes:
Leaving alt attributes empty when they should contain descriptive text or providing overly verbose descriptions that overwhelm users.
Avoid using the same alt text for different images unless they convey the same information.