Use clear labels and instructions
Q: Isn’t this already covered by WCAG 2.4.6 Headings and Labels & WCAG 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions plus their related Supplemental Guidance? Q: what does this add? Summary and instructions? Q: is it just forms or also sections of readable content? It’s in a forms Objective. Q: What about place holders?
Description
Provide clear labels, explanations and clarifications that help users avoid making mistakes
User Story
As someone who has anxiety I understand what I need to enter and so avoid error messages that upset me.
What To Do
Provide clear instructions at the start of the process. Use labels that clearly identify required content. Any restrictions on allowed user input should be made clear at the point of input and not presented as an error message when the user eventually submits something.
How it helps
Clear instructions help prevent user making mistakes and so being presented with error messages. This avoids breaking the users interaction flow and so reduces frustration or the need to seek help. This helps anybody with memory issues, people from a different culture, and people on autism spectrum who may miss cultural context.
More details
Examples
Sufficient
- An accessible image of a passport indicates where the required number can be be found.
Insufficient
- A calendar control does not not indicate the day considered to be the start of the week (e.g., Sunday or Monday).
Related Guidelines and Techniques
- WCAG Guideline WCAG 2.4.6 Headings and Labels
- WCAG Guideline WCAG 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions
Related Patterns
- Design forms so people make less mistakes
- Provide flexibility in form inputs
- Provide help for forms and non-standard controls
Key Terms
? Coga is developing a list of terms so should we repeat here or simple link to it ?
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