On Input - Success Criterion 3.2.2 (Level A)

Question

When a user enters content into a text field or selects an option from an interface, are the changes predictable and controllable?

Why is this important?

Unexpected changes on a page, such as opening a new window or submitting a form automatically can cause confusion for users. This is particularly problematic for people with visual, cognitive, and fine motor disabilities.

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a person with low vision,
I want a warning if a new window is going to open when I click a button
so that I can do not become disoriented.

Example 2

As a person who is blind using a screen reader,
I want to be able to complete the first page of an application and click the next button
so that I can choose when to move on to the next page without it being done automatically.

What should you do?

Ensure interactive elements and their behaviors are predictable and controllable by the user.

How do you do it?

Users should be notified before they activate controls that will generate an unexpected change.
Make sure forms do not auto-submit when all the form fields are completed. Add an explicit “Submit” button so the user understands what is occurring.
Avoid moving users between fields automatically.