Sensory Characteristics
Summary:
WCAG 1.3.3, "Sensory Characteristics," is about ensuring that instructions for using web content are not based solely on sensory characteristics like shape, color, size, visual location, or sound. This guideline is crucial for making web content accessible to users who cannot rely on these sensory characteristics due to disabilities.
What:
The guideline requires that instructions or information about user interface elements and content should be conveyed in ways not solely dependent on sensory properties. Instead of saying "click the green button," instructions should include clear, non-sensory descriptions, like "click the 'Submit' button."
Why:
Users with visual impairments, color blindness, or those who cannot perceive certain sensory details can find it challenging to navigate and understand content if instructions rely only on sensory cues. Providing non-sensory, descriptive information makes the content accessible to a broader audience.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Form Instructions: Avoid saying "fill in the fields highlighted in red" and instead say "fill in the required fields, marked with an asterisk (*)."
- Navigation Aids: Instead of "click the button on the right," use "click the 'Next' button."
- Audio Content: Don't rely solely on sound cues for instructions; provide text or visual alternatives, like on-screen text for audio prompts in a game.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Use text descriptions alongside or instead of sensory cues. Ensure that instructions are clear without relying on color, shape, or location.
- Mobile Apps: Provide clear, descriptive labels for interactive elements, not relying solely on visual characteristics.
- Software Applications: Include descriptive labels and instructions that are independent of sensory characteristics, suitable for screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Exceptions:
- Logotypes: Elements that are part of a logo or brand name, where sensory characteristics like color or shape are integral to recognition.
- Decorative Elements: Sensory characteristics of elements that are purely decorative and do not provide instructions or information.