Error Identification (Level A – 3.3.1 )

‘Error Identification’ requires websites to identify and describe input errors for users.

Introduction

Users of all kinds will make mistakes when using your website, so it’s important to clearly identify and describe errors. Input errors include users not providing required information as well as providing informating that doesn’t meet validation criteria.

Be as specific as possible when highlighting an error, so a user has the best chance of fixing their mistake and continuing. This means doing more than adding a red box around a missed field for example.

How to Pass ‘Error Identification’

• Identify and explain to the user any mistakes that you can detect automatically.
  
• Add error explanation close to the error, showing what is wrong and how to fix it.

‘Error Identification’ Tips

• If a form requires input in a certain format, show and describe the required format.
  
• If a mandatory field is empty, highlight the field and explain what’s required.
  
• Build forms to be forgiving, accepting variations on the formats you prefer.
  
• Don’t ask for too much information, just what you need.
  
• Be specific. Use clear, concise instruction and form field labels.
  
• Highlight mistakes in forms with colours and symbols.
  
• Don’t clear a form if a user makes a mistake. Save the information and allow the user to edit their error and continue.
  
• Provide extra help by giving your contact details on all pages (the header or footer are great) and especially near forms.

See Also

• Sensory Characteristics
• Use of Colour
• Labels or Instructions
• Error Suggestion
• Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data)
• Understanding Success Criterion 3.3.1 (W3C)