Definition for WCAG 2.0 success criterion 3.3.3
3.3.3 Error Suggestion: If an input error is automatically detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.
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 WCAG 2.0 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 (level A) 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.
Typically, components expecting user input (particularly in forms) that have known suggestions for corrections are:
- Mandatory fields (the known correction being: user needs to enter a value/make a selection).
- Fields expecting a specific data format (e.g. MM/DD/YY).
- Fields that only allow values from a specific possible set of values (e.g. freeform text entry fields for City/State).
Note: if an input error for a component with known suggestions is not identified at all (i.e. not only is there no suggestion, but also no actual indication of error), both 3.3.1 Error identification (level A) and 3.3.3 Error Suggestion are marked as fail.
Note: if the page does not contain components expecting user input that have known suggestions for corrections, this criterion is marked as not applicable.
Testing success criterion 3.3.3
Input into spreadsheet
- Fail
- Components with erroneous data and known suggestions for corrections have no explicit indication of how a user should correct their entry.
- Pass
- For each component with erroneous data and known suggestions for corrections, not only is the error identified (see also 3.3.1 Error identification (level A)), but sufficient information is provided to the user for how it should be corrected (e.g. "This field is mandatory", "Please enter the date in the MM/DD/YY format", "'Botson' is not a recognized city name. Did you mean 'Boston'?").
- N/A
- The sample does not contain any components that require specific user input, or suggestions would not be known.
How to test
- For all components in the page that accept user input and have known suggestions for corrections, enter deliberately wrong values.
- If the components are part of a form that needs to be submitted, submit the form.