360 - Accessibility Score

After testing Gemini's image description skills on the Leonardo image in post 358, I wondered if it had cheated by reading the existing alt text.

So I asked Gemini to write a full alt text description of this image for the benefit of a person using a screen reader. I excluded the title from the image (Cancer as in the zodiac sign). It has given an almost perfect reply, but then I realised of course this image has already been published here on my website. I discussed what it was about so it probably already gleaned that insight. I wonder.

Gemini's Image Description (image exists online)

Digital graphic on a dark navy blue background featuring a central abstract figure illuminated by a dramatic spotlight.

Two broad white beams of light descend from the top corners, converging in a bright white circular pool on the floor. Inside this pool of light stands a stylized, silhouette-like figure with a pink interior and a purple to orange gradient exterior.

The figure appears to be lifting or supporting a flat, tray-like object above its head with multiple thin arms or protrusions. Two small antennae extend from the top of this tray.

The base of the figure flows outwards like fabric or liquid, blending into a warm orange hue at the bottom right. The overall style is minimalist and theatrical, using high contrast and soft-edged lighting to create a sense of performance or a reveal.

Another Try

I uploaded an image from the distant past, that I haven't published online yet.

Slam dunk.

Gemini's Image Description (image is not online yet)

A profile photograph of a person from the waist up against a solid black background. The person is a light-skinned individual with a shaved head, looking to the left. They are wearing a black turtleneck top under a greyish-brown sleeveless waistcoat or harness.

Attached to the back of the harness is a large, sculptural costume piece consisting of several oversized, vibrant red arrows that point in different directions behind them. The arrows are outlined with a thick black border and have a slightly translucent, textured appearance, appearing to be made of fabric stretched over a frame. Bright light from the right side of the frame illuminates the arrows, making them glow and casting subtle shadows across their surfaces.

Great result

This is amazing for visually impaired and blind people. What I could do (when I've figured it out or can pay someone else to do it) is get an agentic AI to generate image descriptions for my whole portfolio. Well, for my whole website. That would be amazing.

Pleasing

What is quite pleasing about this (especially the first description of the crab costume), is that I wanted to communicate those things and it seems I've succeeded.

Having said that, it's interesting how unequivocal it is. I might use test the ambiguity of an image using Gemini's image descriptions.