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WCAG 2.1

1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics

Level A success criterion

Instructions for understanding and operating content should not rely solely on sensory characteristics like shape, color, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.

Why it matters

Users who cannot perceive certain sensory characteristics (color, shape, position) need instructions that work without those cues.

Common violations

  • Instructions like 'click the green button'
  • References to 'the sidebar on the right'
  • Directions like 'press the round icon'
  • Audio cues without text alternatives

Code examples

Bad

<p>Click the green button to continue.</p>

Good

<p>Click the "Submit" button (the green button at the bottom) to continue.</p>

How to fix

Supplement sensory descriptions with text labels. Say 'Click Submit (the green button)' instead of just 'Click the green button'.

Related criteria

Related resources

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