- Success Criterion 2.2.1
- Conformance level A
Artificial Countdown Timer Used to Create False Urgency
2.2.1 — Timing Adjustable
Scenario
Setting
A job board's application form
What’s wrong
Countdown timers on checkout/booking not truly real-time-essential (artificial scarcity timers) with no adjust/extend.
Example
setTimeout(() => logOut(), 60000); // no warningWhy it matters
People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.
How to test
Check checkout/booking countdown timers: if the countdown isn't tied to genuine limited availability (i.e., it's an artificial urgency timer) and offers no adjust/extend option, it fails.
How to fix
The time limit must be removable or adjustable (to at least 10x) before it starts, or extendable via a warning giving at least 20 seconds to respond with a simple action. setTimeout(() => showExtendSessionPrompt(), 55000); Users need a warning and a way to extend a time limit before it expires, unless the limit is essential (e.g. an auction).
Outcome
On a job board's application form, this barrier is gone for people who read — they reach the same outcome without extra effort.
Who is affected
People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Page Auto-Redirects on a Timer With No Way to Stop It
- Page That Auto-Reloads and Resets the User’s Position
- Server Redirect Timeout With No Warning or Way to Extend It
- Session Expiring With No Warning and No Way to Extend It
- Session Warning That Gives Users Less Than 20 Seconds to Respond
- Session Extension Allowed Fewer Than the Required 10 Times