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WCAG 1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A)
This page demonstrates how to provide instructions that do not rely solely on sensory characteristics such as shape, color, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.
- Goal: Instructions are understandable by more people.
- What to do: Describe controls by name, not just by appearance or location.
- Why it's important: People who are blind or have low vision need non-visual instructions.
Correct Example: Accessible Instructions
Instruction: "Click the Submit button to continue."
- Instructions reference the button's label, not its color, shape, or position.
- Works for all users, including those using assistive technology.
Incorrect Example: Sensory-only Instructions
Instruction: "Click the blue button to continue."
- Relies on color alone to identify the button, which is not accessible to colorblind users or screen reader users.
- Users who cannot perceive color or visual location may not know which button to click.
Key Points Demonstrated:
- Instructions should not rely solely on shape, color, size, or visual location.
- Reference controls by their label or purpose, not by sensory characteristics.
- Accessible instructions work for all users, including those using assistive technology.
- Incorrect examples highlight why relying on sensory cues alone is a barrier.