Testable Statements for Each Pattern
Appearance
Objective 1: Help Users Understand What Things are and How to Use Them
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Make the Purpose of Your Page Clear |
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| Use a Design that the User is Likely to Recognize and Understand |
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None |
| Use a Consistent Visual Design |
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| Make Each Step Clear |
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| Clearly Identify Controls and Their Use |
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| Make the Relationship Clear Between Controls and What They Affect |
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None |
| Use Symbols that Help the User |
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Objective 2: Help Users Find What They Need
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Make it Easy to Identify the Most Important Tasks and Features of the Site | None | None |
| Ensure the Hierarchy of the Site and Menu Structure is Logical, Easy to Identify and Navigate |
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| Use a Clear and Understandable Page Structure |
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| Ensure the Most Important Things on the Page are Easy to Find | * On coga github: critical-features.html and WCAG issue 39 |
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| Break Media into Chunks | None | |
| Provide Search |
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Objective 3: Use Clear and Understandable Content
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Use Clear Words |
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| Use a Simple Tense and Voice |
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| Avoid Double Negatives or Nested Clauses |
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| Use Literal Language |
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| Keep Text Succinct |
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| Use Clear, Unambiguous Text Formatting and Punctuation |
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None |
| Include Symbols and Letters Necessary to Decipher the Words | None |
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| Provide Summary of Long Documents and Media | None | |
| Separate Each Instruction |
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| Use White Spacing |
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| Ensure Foreground Content is not Obscured by Background | None | None |
| Explain Implied Content | None | * 3.1.5 Reading Level |
| Provide Alternatives for Numbers |
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None |
Objective 4: Help Users Avoid Mistakes or Correct Them
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Ensure Controls and Content Do Not Move Unexpectedly | None |
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| Let Users Go Back |
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| Notify Users of Fees and Charges at the Start of a Task | None | |
| Design Forms to Prevent Mistakes |
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| Make it Easy to Undo Form Errors |
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| Use Clear Visible Labels | None |
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| Use Clear Step-by-step Instructions | None | |
| Provide Flexible Form Inputs |
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| Avoid Data Loss and "Time Outs" |
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| Provide Feedback | None | |
| Keep Users' Information Safe and Help Users Understand Known Risks | None | |
| Use Familiar Metrics and Units | None | None |
Objective 5: Help Users to Maintain Focus
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Limit Interruptions | None | |
| Make Short Critical Paths | None | None |
| Avoid Too Much Content | None | |
| Provide Information So a User Can Complete and Prepare for a Task | None | None |
Objective 6: Ensure Processes Do Not Rely on Memory
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Provide a Login that Does Not Rely on Memory or Other Cognitive Skills | None | |
| Allow the User a Simple, Single Step, Login | None | None |
| Provide a Login Alternative with Less Words | None | None |
| Let Users Avoid Navigating Voice Menus | None | |
| Do Not Rely on Users Memorizing Information | None |
Objective 7: Provide Help and Support
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Provide Human Help | None | |
| Provide Help and Alternative Content for Complex Information and Tasks |
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| Clearly State the Results and Disadvantages of Actions, Options, and Selections | None | None |
| Provide Help for Forms and Non-standard Controls |
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| Make It Easy to Find Help and Give Feedback |
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None |
| Provide Help with Directions | None | |
| Provide Reminders | None |
Objective 8: Support Adaptation and Personalization
| Pattern | Proposals for WCAG | Related WCAG SC |
|---|---|---|
| Let Users Control When the Content Changes |
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| Enable APIs and Extensions |
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| Support Simplification | None | |
| Support a Personalized and Familiar Interface |
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None |