Sometimes, the most significant UX improvements come from questioning what we take for granted. Take the humble period at the end of an ALT text – a seemingly innocent piece of punctuation that most of us add without thinking. Yet this tiny dot can create unexpected barriers for users relying on screen readers. Let me share a recent discovery that changed how we approach accessibility in our digital projects.
Looking at a standard UX performance gauge image we recently implemented, the ALT text debate emerged. The initial instinct might be to write:
alt="User Experience (UX) meter showing excellent level, with gauge needle pointing to the highest performance zone in green."However, this apparently “grammatically correct” approach actually creates an unexpected barrier for users relying on screen readers. Here’s why this matters.
The Screen Reader Experience
Screen readers, the vital tools that make web content accessible to visually impaired users, interpret punctuation in specific ways. When encountering a period, these tools typically insert a longer pause – similar to how we naturally pause between sentences when speaking. While this works well for regular content, it creates an unnecessary and potentially disruptive pause when reading ALT text.
The correct approach:
alt="User Experience (UX) meter showing excellent level, with gauge needle pointing to the highest performance zone in green"By omitting the period, we create a more fluid listening experience. The screen reader moves naturally from the image description to the next content element, maintaining the flow of information without artificial breaks.
Beyond Periods: The Broader Implications
This seemingly minor detail opens up a larger conversation about UX writing precision. Every character we include (or exclude) impacts the user experience. Consider how this principle applies to other punctuation marks and writing conventions in ALT text:
- Commas serve as natural breath points and should be used thoughtfully
- Excessive capitalization can cause screen readers to spell out words letter by letter
- Special characters might be interpreted unexpectedly by different screen readers
The Impact
While refining ALT text punctuation might seem like a minor optimization, it reflects a deeper commitment to inclusive design. In our work, we’ve seen how these small improvements compound to create significantly better user experiences. Accessible design isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating digital experiences that truly work for everyone.
How to write proper ALT tags
When crafting ALT text, consider these guidelines:
- Keep ALT text between 80-100 characters when possible
- Write clear, concise descriptions
- Avoid ending with periods, unless for multiple full sentences
- Include relevant context without being overly verbose
- Focus on conveying the image’s purpose and meaning
- Test with screen readers when possible
Best Practice:
For most cases, omit the period unless the ALT text is a full sentence that requires clear separation.
The Real-World Difference
The impact of proper ALT text extends beyond technical accessibility. It affects how users interact with and understand your content. For instance, in our example UX meter image, the clean, period-free ALT text ensures that users relying on screen readers receive the information smoothly and efficiently, just like visual users scanning the gauge.
As we continue to evolve our understanding of digital accessibility, these micro-improvements in UX writing will play an increasingly important role. They remind us that creating truly inclusive digital experiences often comes down to careful attention to detail and a willingness to question even the most basic assumptions about how we write for the web.
This discovery about periods in ALT text serves as a perfect example of how the field of UX continues to evolve. It’s a reminder that there’s always room for improvement in our craft, even in areas we might consider fully understood. As we push forward with more ambitious design innovations, let’s not forget that sometimes the most meaningful improvements come from questioning and refining the smallest details.