Why Alt Text is Necessary for Graphs and Charts

Data plays a crucial role in decision-making, with graphs and charts as indispensable tools for visualising complex information. Whether used in reports, presentations, or websites, these visuals help convey important insights quickly and clearly. However, graphs and charts can be inaccessible without proper descriptions for individuals with visual impairments or those using assistive technologies. This is where alt text comes into play. By providing concise and meaningful alt text for graphs and charts, businesses can make their data-driven content accessible to all users.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why alt text is necessary for graphs and charts, which types of companies stand to benefit the most from using it, and how it serves both customers and brands alike.

Why Alt Text is Necessary for Graphs and Charts

Alt text for graphs and charts allows users with disabilities to understand the information that these visuals present. Screen readers cannot interpret visual data directly, so without alt text or an alternative description, users who rely on assistive technologies are left without access to critical insights. Providing alt text or a detailed summary ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with the content.

For example, consider a bar chart showing quarterly sales growth over a year. Sighted users can quickly grasp the trends by looking at the chart, but a person using a screen reader would need alt text to convey the same information. A suitable alt text might say, "Bar chart showing sales growth from Q1 to Q4, with a 25% increase in Q4." If the data is too complex for a brief description, it’s important to include a more detailed summary nearby or link to a longer description.

Alt text for graphs and charts is essential for maintaining the principle of perceivable content in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It ensures that no user is excluded from understanding key data due to a lack of access to visual information.

Which Brands and Companies Benefit from Using Alt Text for Graphs and Charts?

Many industries use graphs and charts to communicate key data, and companies within these specific industries can benefit greatly from using alt text to ensure accessibility:

Financial Services

Banks, investment firms, and financial advisors often rely on charts to display market trends, portfolio performance, and financial projections. Providing alt text ensures that visually impaired clients can access critical financial information.

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities frequently use graphs and charts in academic materials, research papers, and reports. Ensuring these visuals are accessible to all students, regardless of disability, is key to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Healthcare Providers

Medical organisations use graphs and charts to present patient data, treatment outcomes, or public health statistics. By including alt text, healthcare professionals ensure that all patients and stakeholders can engage with this important information.

Marketing and Data Analytics Firms

Companies that rely on data to guide decision-making, such as marketing agencies or analytics firms, use visualisations to present campaign results or customer insights. By adding alt text to these charts, they make their reports more accessible to clients and stakeholders with disabilities.

Government Agencies

Government websites often provide public data in the form of graphs and charts, from unemployment statistics to economic reports. Including alt text ensures that these critical data points are accessible to all citizens.

How Alt Text Benefits Customers and Brands

Customer Benefits

For customers, the inclusion of alt text for graphs and charts allows for equal access to critical information. This is particularly important for those who rely on data to make informed decisions, such as investors or patients seeking health information. Accessible data visualisations ensure that all users, regardless of ability, can engage with and understand key insights.

For users with disabilities, inclusive websites and content foster a sense of belonging and trust. When customers feel that their needs are taken into account, they are more likely to return to a business or recommend it to others. Proper alt text for graphs and charts helps make this experience more inclusive and user-friendly.

Brand and Company Benefits

For companies, using alt text for graphs and charts is not only a matter of compliance with accessibility regulations but also a powerful tool for brand enhancement. By making data-driven content accessible, companies can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. This can improve brand reputation, build trust with customers, and set a company apart from competitors who may not prioritise accessibility.

Additionally, accessible websites tend to perform better in terms of user experience and SEO. When websites are optimised for accessibility, they often rank higher in search engine results, helping to drive organic traffic. Furthermore, ensuring that all users can interact with content, including data visualisations, improves customer engagement and satisfaction.

Finally, companies that adhere to accessibility best practices, such as providing alt text for graphs and charts, can avoid potential legal risks associated with non-compliance with accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the European Accessiblity Act (EAA).

Conclusion

Alt text for graphs and charts is a crucial aspect of making data-driven content accessible to all users. Companies across various industries — financial services, education, healthcare, marketing, and government — can benefit from providing meaningful alt text that allows users with disabilities to engage with their data. This not only ensures compliance with accessibility standards but also builds trust and loyalty among customers, enhancing a brand’s reputation. By making their data accessible, businesses can foster a more inclusive online experience while reaping the benefits of increased engagement and better SEO.