Sensory Characteristics
Answer
Some users cannot perceive shape, size, color, orientation, visual location or sound. To ensure content is accessible, instructions should avoid relying on these sensory characteristics alone. Refer to components of interest by textual markers, or in some cases their position in the reading order, in addition to sensory characteristics.
The terms above and below, when referring to reading order, are acceptable.
Examples:
Do
- Include textual and sensory characteristics in instructions.
- "To go to the next page, use the green button labeled "next" below."
Below here operates as an indicator of reading order and a spacial designation. It's okay to identify the button as green, as long as the textual direction is also included.
- "Learn more about ScholarOne Search by clicking on the Search Help link below the ScholarOne Search heading on the Library's homepage."
These instructions are equally helpful for a sighted user or one who navigates using headings and link lists.
Don't
- "To go to the next page, press the button to the right. To go back, press the button to the left."
- "A user is completing an on-line survey. There are three buttons at the bottom of the survey form. The instructions state, "Press the square button to exit the survey without saving, Press the triangle button to save in-progress survey results. You may return later to complete the survey. Press the round button to submit the survey results."