- Success Criterion 3.3.2
- Conformance level A
Required-Field Asterisk Used With No Explanation Anywhere
3.3.2 — Labels or Instructions
Scenario
Setting
A pharmacy app's prescription-refill form
What’s wrong
An asterisk (*) marks required fields but its meaning is never explained anywhere on the form — users unfamiliar with the convention don't know what it signifies.
Example
This shows up on a pharmacy app's prescription-refill form: an asterisk (*) marks required fields but its meaning is never explained anywhere on the form — users unfamiliar with the convention don't know what it signifies.
Why it matters
Everyone filling forms, especially people with cognitive disabilities and magnifier users. In this case (a pharmacy app's prescription-refill form), they have to guess at the correct format.
How to test
Look for an asterisk (*) marking required fields, then search the form for text explaining what it means: if the meaning is never stated anywhere, it fails.
How to fix
A persistent visible label must be provided, required status must be marked visually AND programmatically (with any symbol explained), and format rules stated before input.
Outcome
Once corrected, a pharmacy app's prescription-refill form lets them complete the form without guessing.
Who is affected
Everyone filling forms, especially people with cognitive disabilities and magnifier users.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Multi-Part Field Like a Phone Number With No Text Label
- Icon-Only Search Field With No Accessible Label
- Placeholder Text Used as the Only Label, Vanishing on Input
- Required Input Format Never Stated Until After an Error
- No Indication of Which Fields on a Form Are Required
- Radio Button Group Missing Its Question or Prompt Text