Error Identification
Summary:
WCAG 3.3.1, "Error Identification," is about making sure users are clearly informed about errors in data they've entered on a website or app. It's particularly helpful for users with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities, and really, anyone who inputs data online.
What:
This guideline requires that errors made by the user are identified and presented in text. It ensures that mistakes in input fields, like forms, are clearly communicated to the user.
Why:
Identifying errors clearly helps users correct their mistakes efficiently, enhancing the overall user experience. It's essential for those who might not easily notice subtle indications of errors, such as color changes or icons.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Online Forms: Displaying a text message next to a form field when the user forgets to fill it out or enters invalid data.
- E-commerce Checkouts: Alerting users to incorrect or missing credit card information during payment.
- Account Creation: Indicating a required format for passwords that haven't been met.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Use clear text messages to indicate errors near the relevant input field.
- Mobile Apps: Ensure that any input errors are communicated through text within the app interface.
- Software Applications: Implement text-based error messages that are easily perceivable.
Exceptions:
- Minor or Irrelevant Errors: If an error is minor and does not affect the completion or submission of a form, it might not need explicit identification.
- Real-time Validation: In cases where errors are detected and corrected in real-time, such as spell check, a separate error message might not be necessary.