kuvausKAsta

kuvausKAsta is a conceptual framework for creating descriptive metadata for images and visual media. It aims to produce concise, precise descriptions that are useful to both humans and machines, with a focus on accessibility, searchability, and interoperability across Finnish-language digital content.

Etymology and scope: The name combines the Finnish word kuvaus (description) with a stylized KAsta element, which in discussions serves as an acronym-like marker for knowledge, accessibility, and textual annotations. The exact expansion varies by project, but the term signals a standardized approach to image description.

Core features: A kuvausKAsta entry typically includes subject and context, key visual elements, spatial relationships, color and lighting, approximate timing, source and licensing, language, and notes on accessibility. It promotes structured, human-readable text alongside machine-readable tags and encourages the use of controlled vocabularies.

Usage: The framework is described in theoretical discussions and is used by digital archives, museums, and educational platforms as a guide for describing images beyond captions. Descriptions often consist of short sentences that convey essential details and are suitable for screen readers.

Relation to standards: It is positioned to complement established metadata schemas (Dublin Core, IIIF manifests, schema.org ImageObject) and accessibility guidelines (WCAG), rather than replace them.

Related concepts include alt text, image captions, metadata standards, and accessibility practices.