3.3.1 - Error identification

When someone makes an error while filling in a form, describe the error with text and clearly identify where the error is.

Summary

When a form validation error occurs, the user is informed of where the error is, and what caused it, using text.

Requirements

  • Each form validation error is described with text, and the form input that is in error is in error is clearly identified;
  • The error messages clearly and accurately explain the errors that have occurred;
  • Each form validation error is associated with the input field it relates to.

Common mistakes

  • An error is only indicated by an icon near to the field;
  • An error is described with text, but it is not associated in code with the field it relates to.

Why?

This ensures that the form validation error is available to people who cannot see, distinguish colours, or understand icons and other visual cues.

Clear error messages help everyone to input and interact with content correctly. It is important to provide inclusive error messages that users of assistive technology can perceive. Keep in mind that not everyone sees visual cues, such as colour or icons. And people with cognitive impairments may have difficulty in understanding how to correct errors.

Official wording in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

3.3.1 Error Identification: If an input error is automatically detected, the item that is in error is identified and the error is described to the user with text. (Level A)

See the W3C's detailed explanation of this guideline with techniques and examples.

Guidance for Design

For example, when a form is submitted:

  1. a list of all fields needing correction could be added in above the form;

  2. that list could be announced to screen reader users, either by:

    • moving the keyboard focus to that error summary box,
    • or by making that error summary box a 'live' region that announces when its content changes;

  3. form inputs that are in error are identified both visually (using than colour alone) and in code (using aria-invalid for example).

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More guidance for design

Guidance for Web

Associating an error with a text input field using aria-describedby

<label for="national-insurance-number">
  National Insurance number
</label>

<span id="national-insurance-number-hint">
  It’s on your National Insurance card, benefit letter, payslip or P60. For example, ‘QQ 12 34 56 C’.
</span>

<input id="national-insurance-number" name="national-insurance-number" type="text"
aria-describedby="national-insurance-number-hint national-insurance-number-error">

<span id="national-insurance-number-error">
  <span class="visually-hidden">Error:</span> Enter a National Insurance number in the correct format
</span>

More guidance for Web

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