- Success Criterion 2.2.1
- Conformance level A
Time-Limited Status Message That Vanishes Before It Can Be Read
2.2.1 — Timing Adjustable
Scenario
Setting
An online clothing store's product listing page
What’s wrong
Toast/status messages carrying essential info auto-dismissing on a timer with no way to extend/recall.
Example
setTimeout(() => logOut(), 60000); // no warningWhy it matters
People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.
How to test
Wait for a toast/status message carrying essential information to auto-dismiss: if there's no way to extend or recall it before it disappears, 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 an online clothing store's product listing page, this barrier is gone for people who read — they get the same result as anyone else here.
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