Understanding SC 3.3.6: Error Prevention (All) (Level AAA)

In Brief

Goal

Users can avoid submitting incorrect information.

What to do

Provide ways for users to confirm, correct, or reverse any submissions.

Why it's important

People with disabilities may be more likely to make mistakes, or not notice them.

Intent

The intent of this Success Criterion is to help users with disabilities avoid consequences that may result from making a mistake when submitting form data. This criterion builds on Success Criterion 3.3.4 in that it applies to all forms that require users to submit information.

Users with disabilities may be more likely to make mistakes and may have more difficulty detecting or recovering from mistakes. People with reading disabilities may transpose numbers and letters, and those with motor disabilities may hit keys by mistake. Providing the ability to reverse actions allows users to correct a mistake. Providing the ability to review and correct information gives the user an opportunity to detect a mistake before taking an action.

Benefits

• Providing safeguards to avoid consequences resulting from mistakes helps users with all disabilities who may be more likely to make mistakes.

Techniques

Each numbered item in this section represents a technique or combination of techniques that the WCAG Working Group deems sufficient for meeting this Success Criterion. However, it is not necessary to use these particular techniques. For information on using other techniques, see Understanding Techniques for WCAG Success Criteria, particularly the "Other Techniques" section.