3.3.3 Error Suggestion

Level AA

If an input error is automatically detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.

Who This Helps

• Providing information about how to correct input errors allows users who have learning disabilities to fill in a form successfully.
• Users who are blind or have impaired vision understand more easily the nature of the input error and how to correct it.
• People with motion impairment can reduce the number of times they need to change an input value.

Examples

• Additional Help for Correcting An Input Error

The result of a form that was not successfully submitted describes an input error in place in the page along with the correct input and offers additional help for the form field that caused the input error.

• Suggestions from a Limited Set of Values

An input field requires that a month name be entered. If the user enters "12," suggestions for correction may include

• • A list of the acceptable values, e.g., "Choose one of: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December."
  • The conversion of the input data interpreted as a different month format, e.g., "Do you mean 'December'?"