• Success Criterion 2.5.1
  • Conformance level A

Gesture-Based Unlock Pattern Where a Simpler Input Would Work

2.5.1 — Pointer Gestures

Scenario

Setting

A webinar platform's registration form

What’s wrong

Signature/gesture unlock patterns where the *function* isn't essential to be path-based.

Example

On a webinar platform's registration form, a visitor hits this wall: signature/gesture unlock patterns where the *function* isn't essential to be path-based.

Why it matters

People with limited hand mobility and users of head-pointers, sticks, or eye-gaze systems. On a webinar platform's registration form, this barrier means they can't operate the feature without a mouse.

How to test

Check whether a gesture-based unlock/signature pattern is genuinely essential to the function (e.g., an actual signature) or just used for an ordinary action that could be a button: the latter fails.

How to fix

A single-tap/click alternative must exist for every path-based or multi-point gesture.

Outcome

Corrected, a webinar platform's registration form now lets a visitor complete the task using only the keyboard.

Who is affected

People with limited hand mobility and users of head-pointers, sticks, or eye-gaze systems.

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