• 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

Here's a real case from an online clothing store's product listing page: toast/status messages carrying essential info auto-dismissing on a timer with no way to extend/recall.

Why it matters

People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users. In this case (an online clothing store's product listing page), they lose their place when content moves unexpectedly.

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.

Outcome

Once corrected, an online clothing store's product listing page lets them finish the task at their own pace.

Who is affected

People who read, type, or move slowly, including many screen-reader users.

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