Sensory Characteristics
Online content has sensory characteristics, including shape, sound, positioning, orientation, color, and size.
Users should not have to rely on sensory characteristics to understand or interact with content. Information conveyed by sensory characteristics may not be perceived by users who are blind or have low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or have cognitive disabilities. Additionally, the layout and presentation of online content may change depending on the size of the browser window or device screen.
Instructions for users often break this accessibility requirement. For example, the instruction to "Click the green button on the right" might not be helpful for users. Some users might not be able to see green or to understand what "right" is. On mobile devices, the button might not appear in the same position.
Best Practices
- Do not rely only on sensory characteristics to tell users how to consume or interact with content.
- If a sensory characteristic draws attention to content, provide multiple ways to understand it. Preferably, add a text equivalent.