What this criterion requires
Instructions must not rely solely on shape, color, size, visual location or sound: "press the round button on the right" means nothing to someone who cannot see the layout.
Who it helps
People who are blind, have low vision, or are colorblind.
Example: fails vs passes
"To continue, press the round green button on the right."
"To continue, press Continue (the green button on the right)."
Always include the accessible name; sensory hints are welcome as an addition, never as the only identification.
How to meet and fix it
- Reference controls by their name: "press Save", not "press the green button"
- Combine sensory hints with names when helpful: "press Save (the green button at the top)"
Common failures auditors find
- "Click the icon below" / "see the box on the left" as the only identification
Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.
Sources
- W3C, Understanding 1.3.3: Sensory Characteristics - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 1.3.3 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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