Error Suggestion
Success Criterion 3.3.3 (Level AA)

Question

If an input error occurs in your website/application, do you provide input error correction suggestions to the user, if suggestions are known?

Why is this important

An input error is information provided by the user that is not accepted by validation, for example, a required field that is left blank, or input that does not follow the required format or values.

When a user does not know how to correct an input error they may become frustrated and abandon the task or web page. Some users of assistive technology or with cognitive limitations may not be able to figure out exactly how to correct the error. It is important to provide known suggestions for correcting the error to help the user complete the task. (This success criterion builds upon 3.3.1 Error Identification. (Level A))

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1:

As a person with a learning disability who struggles knowing the correct format for input fields and text boxes,
I want input error messages to offer suggestions on how to fix the error
so that I know exactly how to complete the fields and boxes.

Example 2:

As a person with a mobility impairment, typing is a very strenuous task.
I want input error messages to offer suggestions on how to fix the error
so that I can be sure to correct the error on the next try.

What should you do?

  • Known suggestions for correcting the error should be provided to the user upon error identification
  • Provide form directions and value field examples, when appropriate
  • Make sure all forms identify input errors
  • Be specific but concise when providing informational suggestions on how to correct errors

How do you do it?

  • If the error is due to the format of the input, clearly suggest correct format (e.g. date: MM/DD/YYYY)
  • If error is due to missing information, let user know by text suggestion that it is required
  • If error is due to the user not providing an answer from the required set of values, let user know by text to choose from the list of possible answers

Need technical guidance?

Technical guidance is available for implementing this Success Criterion at the Understanding Success Criterion 3.3.3 - Error Suggestion page.

Additional Resources to help you: