Large print images need to have a description of what the image is of and any key information shown in the image.
It may be the case that a partially sighted person using a magnifier will only see a small part of the image at a time which can make reading an image difficult and time-consuming.
Describing an image will ensure that it is made as accessible as possible. Not everybody can see or interpret an image, so a description will ensure no information is lost.
How to describe a large print image
Plan how much detail to include:
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Understand how the image is going to be used: this will help you decide how much detail to include in a description. For example; if describing educational material that will be used for an assessment, you may not want to give away any answers; whereas instructional images that explain a process will need a thorough description.
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Not everything will need to be described: a description should be succinct and convey the relevant information. Review an image to establish what the important information is and describe this.
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Avoid including your own opinion: allow readers to establish their own interpretation of an image, for example it would be unfair to state that an abstract painting conveys something to you, when it could be interpreted differently by another person.
The description
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Give the image a title: this will instantly tell the reader what the image is showing.
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Briefly describe the general layout: this can be a brief overview of what features are in the image and whereabouts in the image they are. This will help the reader understand what is shown in the image; and will help them put the image into context.
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Describe the relevant detail: after an overview of the layout has been provided, more in-depth detail can be given. Not all of the detail needs to be included - decide what detail is relevant to ensure that the description is as concise as possible.
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Describe the story of the image last: if an image shows a story, or shows how something works; for example an image of an engine; this extra information needs to be given last. If a description of the layout has not been provided; then any additional information will not make sense, as a reader may not be able to find this information on the image.
For information about describing tactile graphics see the page about
supporting tactile graphics.