Making accessibility standards easy to understand, one success criterion at a time.

principle: Understandable

Make sure that everyone can understand or comprehend the same content and components. Can people understand this content with whatever capacity they have?

WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.2.5 Change on Request

Nothing in the user interfaces changes without the user expressly requesting it using a

Forms, Keyboard
Cognitive, Visual
Code, Design
WCAG 2.2 Level A

3.2.6 Consistent Help

Some form of help is available from every page.

Whole Site
Cognitive
Code, Design
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level A

3.3.1 Error Identification

Errors must be clearly indicated and described to the user.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Code, Design
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level A

3.3.2 Labels or Instructions

Provide enough help to prevent form errors—sometimes the label is enough, but hint text or instructions might also be needed.

Code and Labels, Forms
Cognitive, Visual
Code
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AA

3.3.3 Error Suggestion

Helpful suggestions should be provided to help users correct their errors.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Code
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AA

3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)

Important forms like a legal agreement or submitting financial information offer the opportunity to check the information entered before sending.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Visual
Code
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.3.5 Help

Where a label can’t provide enough information to understand what’s being asked, there’s hint text or some other kind of explanation alongside.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive
Code, Content, Design
WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 Level AAA

3.3.6 Error Prevention (All)

After entering any information, the user is offered the opportunity to check it before sending.

Forms, Wording
Cognitive, Physical/Motor
Code, Design
WCAG 2.2 Level A

3.3.7 Redundant Entry

Users should not have to re-enter previously provided information unless necessary.

Forms
Cognitive, Physical/Motor
Code
WCAG 2.2 Level AA

3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum)

Authentication must be possible without cognitive challenges like memorization or solving puzzles, unless an alternative exists.

Forms
Cognitive, Physical/Motor
Code