3.3.1 Error Identification

LEVELA

Success Criteria

3.3.1 Error Identification

Principle: Understandable
Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.

Guideline: Input Assistance
Help users avoid and correct mistakes.

If an input error is automatically detected, the item that is in error is identified and the error is described to the user in text.

View Official WCAG 2.1 Compliance Techniques

Understanding 3.3.1 Error Identification

As a developer you have to ensure that any users are made aware of any errors that occur and that they can determine what it is. The error message should be as specific as possible. Just to keep in mind, error messages that popup upon form submissions is not enough for certain users to perceive that an error has occurred. Users with screen readers may not necessarily know there is an error until they come across the error indicator.

There are two different type of situations for this criteria:

Information submitted by the user that are required
Information submitted by the user that doesn't meet the required values.

Regarding the second point above, if a user enters a value that doesn't meet the required values and the form automatically changes the value to fall within the range. The error message would still need to be provided to the user as required by this criteria. An error description letting the user know of the changed value would meet the 3.3.1 criteria as well as criteria 3.3.3 (Error Suggestion)

Recommended Solutions

There are few ways to ensure that your website remains compliant.

Screenshot of form showing an error message that a form field is not completed

For forms with required fields:

The developer needs to program an alert or message of any errors that is shown to the user upon form submission if there are any. In the example, shown to the right a label that states "Please complete this required field" in red is sufficient for this criteria.
HubSpot on their forms program in the aria role="alert" on the error label text.

If form fields aren't filled, In addition to displaying the error, you should highlight the fields for easier scanning.

<ul role="alert">
<li> <label class="hs-error-msg"> Please complete this required field.</label> </li>
</ul>

For form fields that require specific data or values:

Again, the developer should provide context as specific as possible. In the example below "Please enter a phone number at least 7 numbers long and can contain only certain characters."
HubSpot on their forms program in the aria role="alert" on the error label text