• 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 warning

Why 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.

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