Perceivable · Level A · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 1.3.3: Sensory Characteristics
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
Instructions must not depend only on shape, color, size, location, orientation or sound. Name the control or action so the instruction remains understandable without the referenced sensory cue.
A practical example
Instead of “press the green circle on the right,” a checkout says “Select Continue to payment.” The button can still be green and circular, but its visible name makes the instruction usable with speech or a screen reader.
How to check it
- Search task instructions for phrases such as above, right, round, green or after the beep.
- Try following each instruction without seeing its visual arrangement or hearing its audio cue.
- Add a name, text label or other non-sensory description wherever the cue alone identifies the action.
What can be missed
Sensory descriptions can supplement clear wording. This criterion does not prohibit useful visual references; it addresses instructions that become ambiguous when those references are unavailable.
Record your test
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These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.