WCAG 2.0 · Level A · Perceivable
WCAG 1.3.3 — Sensory Characteristics
Instructions must not rely solely on shape, size, position, or sound (“click the round button on the right”).
WCAG 1.3.3 at a glance
Level A · Principle: Perceivable · Added in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the minimum — failing it blocks some users entirely.
What it means
Instructions must not rely solely on shape, size, position, or sound (“click the round button on the right”).
Who it helps
Blind, low-vision, and colorblind users.
Common failures
- “Press the green button” with no other cue
- “See the box to the right” for screen-reader users
How to meet WCAG 1.3.3
- Add text labels alongside positional/visual cues
- Reference controls by their name, not just appearance
How to test it
Manual review of instructions.