WCAG 2.0 · Level A · Understandable
WCAG 3.3.1 — Error Identification
Input errors must be identified in text and described to the user.
WCAG 3.3.1 at a glance
Level A · Principle: Understandable · Added in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the minimum — failing it blocks some users entirely.
What it means
Input errors must be identified in text and described to the user.
Who it helps
Everyone, especially screen-reader and cognitive users.
Common failures
- Errors shown only by a red border
- Vague “invalid input” with no specifics
How to meet WCAG 3.3.1
- Describe the error in text near the field
- Programmatically associate errors with fields
How to test it
Manual.