This translation has not been editorially reviewed yet. The German version is authoritative. Deutsche Fassung
Accessibility
When does a form need help directly on the field?
A field “Kind” without explanation, a date field without format, an application without indication of which documents are necessary: anyone who is unsure gives up or makes mistakes. Level AAA Criterion 3.3.5 requires assistance related to: For each form there are explanations where they are needed, on the field or via a link that can be reached from the point.
What the Criterion Requires
Help is available where an input needs explanation. Forms: a reference text under the field (associated with aria-describedby so that readers announce it in the field), an example in the reference ("e.g. 12.03.1985"), an explanation of what the reference is used for, a link "Where can I find this number?" next to the field, or an assistant who leads step by step. Assistance does not have to be on every side, but it has to be available from every point where it is needed. The new criterion 3.2.6 (level A) also requires general help (contact, chat) to be in the same place on each page.
For whom this counts
People with learning disabilities or memory problems often do not know what a field means or where the required information is. People with other first language do not understand terms of authority. People with anxiety discontinue when they are unsure whether they are doing it right. For all three, help in the field is the difference between a sent and a cancelled application. Incidentally, the error rate decreases for all others and with it the rework with the operator.
This is how we deal with it
The measurement finds fields without reference (no aria-describedby, no text nearby) and fields with format requirements without example. Whether the help is sufficient in content, judges a person when filling in. The criterion belongs to the category AAA in knowledge.
Examples
Field without assistance
<label for="knr">Kennzahl</label>
<input id="knr"><label for="knr">Kennzahl des Betriebs</label>
<input id="knr" aria-describedby="knr-hilfe">
<p id="knr-hilfe">Acht Ziffern, zum Beispiel 12345678. Sie steht oben rechts auf dem Bescheid. <a href="/hilfe/kennzahl">Wo finde ich sie?</a></p>Help where it is needed: Note on the field, example, link to the explanation.
- Go through each field and ask: Does a stranger know what belongs in here and where he finds it? If not, the field needs a hint.
- Write the note under the field, connect it to aria-describedby, and give an example.
- For numbers and key figures, set a link "Where can I find this?" with the picture of the document on which the number is written.
- At the beginning of the form, explain which documents should be ready and how long it takes.
