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Data comes in many shapes, sizes, colors, and formats. There are a number of ways to offer data to users so that they can read and understand the information in a manner that works for them. Confusing, complicated charts, graphs, and tables can be changed so that the information you are sharing meets accessibility standards. In the three (3) exercises on this page, you will practice viewing data and thinking about offering alt-text and long descriptions to allow users to access the information in different ways.
When you are finished, be sure to assess your learning by taking the Data Quiz.
Exercise #10: Data Visualizations
For this exercise, visit the Looker Studio report on Screen Reader User Survey Results and compare the two (2) separate pages. There are key differences in how the data is presented. On one page, the data is purposely presented in a vague and unclear way, while the other page is much more clear. Can you identify what has been done to make it more clear and easy to interpret?
Exercise #11: Long Descriptions
For this exercise, you will practice offering different ways of presenting information. Using the text and pie chart, think about what would be the best way to describe this chart to someone who may not be able to see it. Next, read each of the three (3) long descriptions below this section. Which one best conveys the data in the chart, and is clear and easy to understand?
Google Chrome Dominates in 2021
Figure 1.1
It seems that everyone uses Chrome as their primary browser these days, but we wanted to see if this was true, so we put out a survey in July 2021 to see just how many people prefer Chrome over other browser options.
Long Description Options for the Pie Chart
A pie chart that shows the distribution of responses from a survey about preferred browsers.
A pie chart that breaks down the popularity of different web browsers. This survey was run in July of 2021 and the results are as follows: Chrome=46.6%, Internet Explorer=24.6%, Firefox=20.4%, Safari=5.1%, Opera=1.3%, Other=2.0%.
Some data showing that the Google Chrome browser is the best.
Sometimes, providing alternative text on images, graphs, and charts isn't enough information for a user who cannot see. To understand its purpose or meaning may require more. In these cases, we should offer a long description to provide additional insights and details about the image or graph to create an equivalent experience for everyone. As a general rule of thumb, alt text should not be longer than 150 characters. If you need more, consider a long description.
Exercise #12: Creating Strong Alt Text
As content authors, we have to make the call on which images we decide to pair with our content. When adding images, we must provide a text alternative for the images we place in our content. These alternatives are essential for blind users who cannot see the imagery.
For this exercise, use the image on the right and come up with the alternative text you would apply to this image if you were describing the data that is shown in the chart. Submit your alternative text using the form below.
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