Definition for WCAG 2.0 success criterion 3.2.2
3.2.2 On Input: Changing the setting of any user interface component does not automatically cause a change of context unless the user has been advised of the behavior before using the component.
The intent of this Success Criterion is to ensure that entering data or selecting a form control has predictable effects. Changing the setting of any user interface component is changing some aspect in the control that will persist when the user is no longer interacting with it. This includes checking a checkbox, selecting a radio button, entering text into a text field, or changing the selected option in a list control (e.g. a <select> dropdown). This success criterion does not apply to actions that by default result in changes of context, such as activating a link or a button.
A classic example of a widget that fails 3.2.2 On Input is a <select> with an onchange="..." JavaScript handler used as a navigation control, meaning that as soon as the user changes the currently selected <option>, the browser loads a new page (thus causing a change in context).
Changes in context (e.g. loading a new page, immediately submitting the form, triggering an unexpected dialog and moving the user's focus to it, etc.) can confuse users who do not easily perceive the change or are easily distracted by changes. Changes of context are appropriate only when it is clear that such a change will happen in response to the user's action.
Note: This Success Criterion covers changes in context due to changing the setting of a control. Clicking on links or tabs in a tab control is activating the control, not changing the setting of that control.
Note: if the page does not contain any user interface components that take user input (i.e. the page does not feature any checkboxes, radio buttons, <select> dropdowns etc.), this criterion is marked as not applicable.
Testing success criterion 3.2.2
Input into spreadsheet
- ❌ Fail
- There is a change of context on input. Record the nature of the failure:
- Changing the setting / value of one or more of these user interface components results in a change of context.
- No instructions or other indicators are present to advise the user of this behavior.
- ✔ Pass
-
- Changing the setting / value of these user interface components does not result in any change of context, OR
- Where changes of context do occur, instructions or other indicators are present to advise the user of this behavior.
How to test
- Using either the keyboard or mouse, interact with all user interface components that take user input on the page. This includes checking/unchecking checkboxes, selecting radio buttons, choosing on option in
<select>dropdowns, entering text in text entry inputs, etc. - If a change of content does occur, verify if the page contains any instructions or other indicators that would advise the user of this non-standard behavior (for instance, text as part of the form control's label/legend that explains the effect of making a change/selection)