Instagram Will Be Offering Alternative Text Features for the Blind
Justin Lam — December 3, 2018 — Lifestyle
References: instagram-press & engadget
In an effort to make its platform more accessible, Instagram is now introducing alternative text for photos to make the platform better for visually impaired people. This new feature will provide a description of a given image so visually impaired people can hear about the photos in their feed. This is just the beginning for Instagram but the platform has yet to announce how it will better help people with disabilities.
The alternative text feature will work in two ways. The first will utilize artificial intelligence and object recognition technology to automatically generate descriptions of photos that can be read by screen readers. The second form of alternative text will come directly from users. This version will introduce a custom alternative text box that will let users provide a short description of the image.
The alternative text feature will work in two ways. The first will utilize artificial intelligence and object recognition technology to automatically generate descriptions of photos that can be read by screen readers. The second form of alternative text will come directly from users. This version will introduce a custom alternative text box that will let users provide a short description of the image.
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Text for Accessibility - The use of alternative text to make digital platforms more accessible and inclusive for visually impaired people presents opportunities for the development of text-to-speech technology, crowd-sourced descriptive content, and user-engagement experiences.
2. AI-driven Object Recognition - The utilization of artificial intelligence technology to provide automatic descriptions of photos presents opportunities for the development of more accurate and efficient object recognition algorithms, and for more comprehensive image tags and metadata.
3. Custom Image Descriptions - The introduction of a custom alternative text box for users to provide short descriptions of images presents opportunities for the development of user-generated content, personalization of digital experiences, and the improvement of social media engagement metrics.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - The integration of accessible image app features into social media platforms presents opportunities for increased platform engagement, improved social media metrics, and the development of more inclusive digital experiences.
2. Artificial Intelligence - The use of artificial intelligence and object recognition technology to generate automatic descriptions of photos presents opportunities for the advancement of AI-driven innovation across industries such as retail, e-commerce, and digital marketing.
3. Accessibility and Assistive Technology - The development of technology that enhances accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities presents opportunities for the development of new assistive technologies, the growth of disability advocacy and policy initiatives, and the expansion of digital accessibility regulations.
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