Error Suggestion
If an input error is automatically detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestion is provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.
What it means
The intent of this success criterion is to ensure that users receive appropriate suggestions for correction of an input error if it is possible. The definition of "input error" says that it is "information provided by the user that is not accepted" by the system. Some examples of information that is not accepted include information that is required but omitted by the user and information that is provided by the user but that falls outside the required data format or allowed values. Success Criterion 3.3.1 Error Identification provides for notification of errors. However, persons with cognitive limitations may find it difficult to understand how to correct the errors. People with visual disabilities may not be able to figure out exactly how to correct the error. In the case of an unsuccessful form submission, users may abandon the form because they may be unsure of how to correct the error even though they are aware that it has occurred. The content author may provide the description of the error, or the user agent may provide the description of the error based on technology-specific, programmatically determined information.
Failing example
<!-- Fails: error message says "invalid" without guidance -->
<input type="email" aria-invalid="true"
aria-describedby="email-error">
<p id="email-error">Invalid input.</p>How to fix it
<!-- Pass: error message explains what is wrong and how to fix it -->
<input type="email" aria-invalid="true"
aria-describedby="email-error">
<p id="email-error" role="alert">
Please enter a valid email address, for example [email protected].
</p>How A11yRisk detects this
A11yRisk detects this criterion automatically.
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