Change on Request
Success Criterion 3.2.5 (Level AAA)
Question
Are you providing user controls to initiate visual changes in context, or providing notification of context changes within your website/application?
Why is this important
If users don’t have control over or are made aware of context changes on a web page, they could become very confused about what is happening on the page.
Whom does it benefit?
Example 1:
As a person with low vision
I want a submit button on my form rather than having the form submit automatically when fields are
completed
so that I can take extra time to review my entries and submit the form when I’m sure that all of
the information is correct.
Example 2:
As a screen reader user
I want to be notified that clicking on a button or link will open in a new window
so that I can be aware that the content will be in a new window and can choose whether or not to
open it.
What should you do?
- When possible, avoid automatic changes to context such as launch of new windows, move of focus, submission of forms when fields completed, etc.
- In situations when automatic changes are unavoidable, keep users informed about the changes.
How do you do it?
- Provide clearly labelled user controls to enable context change.
- If something will occur automatically, provide text alerts on what is going to happen and instructions on how to pause or prevent it.
Need technical guidance?
Technical guidance is available for implementing this Success Criterion at the Understanding Success Criterion 3.2.5 - Change on Request page.