2.5.1: Pointer Gestures – (Level A)
High-Level Description
All functions that use multipoint or path-based gestures must also be operable with taps or clicks. This is critical for users unable to complete complex gestures e.g. pinch, rotate or drag, and allow them to interact with components easily by ensuring alternatives exist.
Detailed Description
What this means:
- Mechanisms that rely on complex gestures must also be operable using single pointer gestures except where multipoint or path-based gestures are essential.
- Alternatives to gestures provide the same functionality as the original gestures.
- Interactions should be operable for users of assistive technologies.
Applies to:
- All interactable components that require multipoint or path-based gestures.
- Touch screen interfaces where gestures are common.
Indicators of Non-Compliance:
- A carousel that can only be navigated by swiping
- A map that requires the user to pinch and zoom to zoom in
Real-World Examples
| Scenario | Non-Compliant | Compliant |
|---|---|---|
| A website has a map showing the location of the company | The map requires pinch and zoom to zoom in and out | The map supports gestures but also has "+" and "-" buttons to zoom in and out |
| A slider in a filter to change the price range of items | The slider can only be dragged to change the values | The slider can be operated by tapping buttons to increase or decrease the slider value |
| A carousel on a homepage | The user must use dragging movements to change the carousel slides | The carousel has "next slide" and "previous slide" buttons the user can tap |
Disability Impact
| Disability Group | With Complex gestures | Without Complex gestures |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Disabilities | Users may be unable to perform specific gestures | Users are able to perform simple gestures to complete tasks |
| Cognitive Disabilities | Complex pointer gestures can confuse or be difficult to remember for users | Gestures are easy to remember and perform |
| Users that require a screen reader | Assistive tools are unable to interact with components due to not being able to complete gestures | Screen readers can simulate single pointer actions reliably and interact with alternatives |
Supporting Documentation
Remediation Strategies
1 - Provide alternatives to gesture actions
Give simple alternative buttons, toggles and other controls that perform the same actions as gestures.
2 - Include on-screen instructions for alternatives
Ensure the users are given clear and concise instructions informing them of the controls.
3 - Use role-based input events instead of gesture detection only
Ensure controls respond to standard, semantic events (e.g., click, keydown, keypress). This allows assistive technologies and non-gesture input devices to operate the same functionality reliably.