What is the primary purpose of using alt text in web design?

The primary purpose of using alt text in web design is to provide descriptions for images for screen readers. This is crucial for ensuring accessibility, particularly for users with visual impairments who rely on assistive technologies to navigate the web. When images lack alt text, these users may miss out on important information conveyed through visuals. The alt text serves not only to describe the image but also to convey the purpose or function of the image in context, which contributes significantly to an inclusive web experience.

While elements such as page load times, visual appeal, and search engine optimization are important in web design, they do not capture the core function of alt text. Alt text specifically addresses accessibility needs, helping to ensure that all users have equitable access to information on a webpage. This focus on inclusivity aligns with current best practices and guidelines in web development and design.