1.3.3: Sensory Characteristics

What it means

Do not give instructions that rely only on sensory characteristics — shape, colour, size, visual location, orientation, or sound. Add text that names the control or step.

Phrases like “click the green button” or “use the menu on the right” exclude people who cannot perceive those cues.

How to fix it

• Add the control name in text (for example “Select Continue to proceed”).
• Refer to buttons and links by their visible label, not only their colour or icon shape.
• Describe required actions in words, not only “the larger box” or “the round icon”.
• If sound is used, repeat the instruction in visible text.

Quick examples

• Good: Error text says “Correct the Email address field below” instead of “the red box”.
• Bad: Help says “Click the green circle to save” with no other label on the control.
• Good: Audio instructions are duplicated as on-screen text steps.
• Bad: Form help says “Choose the option on the right” on a narrow screen where layout stacks.