Error Suggestion
Summary:
WCAG 3.3.3, "Error Suggestion," is about providing users with suggestions for correcting input errors. This guidance is particularly beneficial for users with cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, or those unfamiliar with specific formats or requirements of the input fields.
What:
This guideline stipulates that when an error is detected, users should be provided with suggestions for correcting the mistake, unless doing so would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.
Why:
Providing error correction suggestions helps users quickly rectify their mistakes, enhancing the usability and accessibility of web content. It's especially helpful for users who may struggle to understand why an error occurred or how to fix it.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Form Validation: Offering specific suggestions for fixing email format errors in a sign-up form.
- Password Creation: Providing hints for meeting password complexity requirements during account registration.
- Search Functionality: Suggesting corrections for misspelled search terms in a search engine.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Implement feedback mechanisms that not only flag errors but also suggest ways to correct them.
- Mobile Apps: Provide in-app error messages with suggestions for corrections where relevant.
- Software Applications: Include context-sensitive suggestions for correcting input errors in user interfaces.
Exceptions:
- Security Concerns: In cases where providing suggestions could compromise security, like password fields or PIN inputs.
- Complex Data Entry: For inputs requiring highly specialized or technical data, where generating automatic suggestions might not be feasible.