2. Operable
2.5 Input Modalities (Level A)
Contents
Guideline 2.5 Input Modalities
WCAG 2.1
Make it easier for users to operate functionality through various inputs beyond keyboard.
Why is it important to allow for multiple input modes?
A keyboard was the first input mode for accessing a computer. The mouse was then introduced, greatly improving navigation through web content — for those who could operate a mouse. Various other mouse-like input devices soon followed, like track pads, track balls, eye-gaze pointers, speech control, joysticks, and various other input methods that mimic mouse functions.
Then, mobile devices with touch screens came along and introduced a new range of input methods — these are typically referred to as gestures. Gestures include physical movements like tapping, double tapping, pressing and holding, swiping, dragging, and so on.
Needless to say, limiting input modes can greatly reduce the number of people who are able to use a site. Fortunately, in many cases, designing for both mouse and keyboard access will also allow other input modes. A tap, for instance, is possible for elements that can be clicked with a mouse. A swipe function is much like Tab key navigation. However, it is when developers create custom elements in which mouse and/or keyboard access are scripted that input modes may be limited.
Success Criterion 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures
WCAG 2.1
Level A
All functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures for operation can be operated with a single pointer without a path-based gesture, unless a multipoint or path-based gesture is essential.
Note: This requirement applies to web content that interprets pointer actions (i.e., this does not apply to actions that are required to operate the user agent or assistive technology).
Pointer Gestures Explained
With the introduction of smartphones and touch pads, multipoint gestures have become fairly common place. A multipoint gesture typically requires two or three fingers to perform the gesture. One example is a pinch zoom, placing two fingers on a device screen and spreading them apart, causing the screen to magnify. Some people will not be able to perform such a gesture, so some other means is needed to zoom, such as [-] or [+] buttons that zoom with a single tap or click. Single-point gestures will be more accessible to some and can often be mimicked with a keypress.
These are some examples of multipoint and single-point gestures:
Multipoint gestures:
- Two-finger pinch
- Split tap
- Two- or three-finger taps and swipes.
Single-point gestures:
- Tap
- Double tap
- Press and hold
- Focus and gaze (eye tracking)
Another type of gesture is a path gesture. In the case of a path gesture, users draw a pattern to unlock a screen, or they drag a slider thumb to select a value along a particular range. In both cases, some people will not be able to click-and-drag or point-and-drag, so an alternative will be required. For a slider, users should be able to click on any spo