- Success Criterion 1.3.1
- Conformance level A
Required Field Marked Only Visually, Not in the Code
1.3.1 — Info and Relationships
Scenario
Setting
A public library's catalog search
What’s wrong
Required state shown visually (asterisk/color) with no programmatic indication (required/aria-required (code marking a field required)) *and* no text.
Example
Here's what happens on a public library's catalog search: required state shown visually (asterisk/color) with no programmatic indication (required/aria-required (code marking a field required)) *and* no text.
Why it matters
Screen-reader, braille, and reading-tool users who depend on coded structure rather than visual layout. On a public library's catalog search, this barrier means they lose track of what belongs to what.
How to test
Focus a required field with a screen reader: it should announce 'required' — if only a visual asterisk exists with no aria-required or required attribute, it fails.
How to fix
Mark required fields programmatically (required or aria-required (code marking a field required)) in addition to the visible indicator.
Outcome
Corrected, a public library's catalog search now lets a visitor move through the content with confidence.
Who is affected
Screen-reader, braille, and reading-tool users who depend on coded structure rather than visual layout.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
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