• Success Criterion 3.3.3
  • Conformance level AA

Invalid Entry Message With No Hint at the Expected Format

3.3.3 — Error Suggestion

Scenario

Setting

A childcare-booking service's scheduling page

What’s wrong

"Invalid entry" with no hint of expected format when a suggestion is known and safe.

Example 

<label for="dropoff">Drop-off time</label>
<input id="dropoff" value="7:30">
<p role="alert">Invalid entry.</p>

Why it matters

A parent booking childcare before work has no idea the system wants a specific window like 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

How to test

Trigger a validation error where a correction is knowable and safe to suggest: check whether the message states the fix — generic 'invalid entry' with no guidance fails.

How to fix

When a valid format or range is known, state it in the same message as the rejection.

<label for="dropoff">Drop-off time</label>
<input id="dropoff" value="7:30" aria-describedby="dropoff-error">
<p id="dropoff-error" role="alert">Enter a time between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, like 7:30 AM.</p>

Outcome

The parent enters a valid drop-off time and secures the childcare slot without calling support.

Who is affected

Users with cognitive disabilities and screen reader users who need the expected format spelled out instead of inferred from failed attempts.

Learn more

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