error-identification-missing

Description

When a user makes an error while filling out a form or interacting with a web application, an error message must be displayed to inform the user of the mistake. This ensures that users, including those with disabilities, can identify and correct errors effectively.

The error-identification-missing rule aligns with WCAG Success Criterion 3.3.1 (Error Identification), which requires that errors are identified and described to the user in text.

Examples

In the following example, a user submits a form without filling out a required field, but no error message is displayed. This violates the error-identification-missing rule because the user is not informed of the error.

In the following corrected example, an error message is displayed when the user submits the form without filling out the required field:

How to fix?

To fix violations of the error-identification-missing rule, follow these steps:

1. Identify all forms and interactive elements on your webpage.
2. Ensure that error messages are displayed when users make errors.
3. Use clear and descriptive text to inform users of the error. Wherever necessary, ensure that the text provides sufficient direction to users to correct their mistakes.
4. Ensure that error messages are programmatically determinable so that assistive technologies can convey them to users.

Reference

WCAG Success Criterion 3.3.1: Error Identification