Pause, Stop, Hide
Summary:
WCAG 2.2.2, "Pause, Stop, Hide," addresses the need for users to have control over content that moves, blinks, scrolls, or updates automatically. This guideline is essential for users who find such motion distracting or disorienting, including those with attention deficits or certain types of visual impairments.
What:
This criterion mandates that for any automatically moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating information, there must be a mechanism for the user to pause, stop, hide, or control the timing of the update. This applies to elements like sliders, carousels, blinking ads, and auto-updating feeds.
Why:
Moving or blinking content can be a major distraction and can even cause physical discomfort for some users, such as those with ADHD or photosensitive epilepsy. Providing control over these elements allows users to consume content in a more comfortable and accessible manner.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Sliders and Carousels: On a website with a rotating image carousel, include controls to pause and navigate through the slides manually.
- Auto-updating Content: For news websites with live feeds or tickers, provide an option to pause or stop the automatic updates.
- Blinking Advertisements: Ensure that any blinking or flashing ads have a clear option to stop the blinking or hide the ad.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Add clearly labeled control buttons to pause, stop, or hide moving or auto-updating content. Ensure these controls are easily accessible and keyboard operable.
- Mobile Apps: In apps where content may move or update automatically, provide user controls within easy reach to manage these features.
- Software Applications: Include options within the UI for users to adjust or disable animations, auto-scrolling, or blinking elements.
Exceptions:
- Essential Animations: If the movement or blinking is part of an essential activity (like an animation that indicates loading progress), the requirement for these controls may not apply.
- Emergency Alerts: Moving or blinking elements used for emergency alerts or important warnings are exempt, provided they convey essential information.