Importance of 2.2.2: Pause, Stop, Hide Success Criterion
Providing controls to pause, stop, or hide moving, blinking, or auto-updating content is essential for making web content accessible to all users. Without these controls, such content can be distracting or overwhelming, particularly for users with cognitive disabilities, visual impairments, or attention deficits. Moving content can also interfere with screen readers and other assistive technologies, making it difficult for users to interact with the primary content. Ensuring that users can control these elements improves their ability to navigate and use web content effectively, promoting an inclusive web experience.
Primary Use Cases and Requirements Under Guideline 2.2.2: Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)
Use Case 1: Moving Content
A webpage contains a banner with scrolling text.
Control: Provide a visible button to pause the scrolling text.
How to Test: Check if the scrolling text stops when the pause button is clicked. Verify that the text remains visible and readable.
Use Case 2: Blinking Content
A blinking advertisement on the sidebar.
Control: Include a control to stop the blinking animation.
How to Test: Ensure that clicking the stop button ceases the blinking effect. Confirm that the advertisement content is still accessible and readable.
Use Case 3: Scrolling Content
An auto-scrolling news ticker at the bottom of a webpage.
Control: Add a button to pause the news ticker.
How to Test: Click the pause button and verify that the ticker stops scrolling. Check that the text is readable and remains on the screen.
Use Case 4: Auto-updating Content
A live sports score update feed.
Control: Provide options to pause or hide the live feed.
How to Test: Test the pause/hide controls to ensure the feed stops updating or becomes hidden. Verify that users can re-enable the feed if desired.
Use Case 5: Non-essential Movement
A decorative animation in the background.
Control: Allow users to hide or stop the animation.
How to Test: Check that the animation can be stopped or hidden upon user interaction. Confirm that this does not affect the essential functionality of the webpage.
Testing Steps:
1. Manual Testing: Navigate to the webpage and locate the moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating content. Identify and use the provided controls (pause, stop, hide). Verify that the content responds correctly to these controls without causing any loss of essential information or functionality.
2. Assistive Technology Testing: Use a screen reader to navigate the page and interact with the controls. Ensure the controls are accessible via keyboard navigation and are labeled correctly for screen readers.
3. Automated Testing Tools: Use automated accessibility testing tools to detect the presence of moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating content. Check if the tool reports the availability of pause, stop, or hide controls.