WCAG (Level AAA) SC 2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms (w3.org)
Issue description
WCAG 2.5.6, “Concurrent Input Mechanisms” addresses the need to support different input modalities for interacting with web content. This Level AAA criterion recognizes that users may have diverse needs and preferences when it comes to how they interact with a website or application.
Some websites and applications are designed to work with only one type of input mechanism, such as a mouse or touchscreen. This can create barriers for users who:
- Have motor impairments: Users with motor impairments might not be able to use a mouse or touchscreen effectively and may rely on alternative input devices, such as a keyboard, switch device, or eye-tracking system.
- Prefer different input methods: Some users might prefer to use a combination of input methods, such as a mouse and keyboard, or a touchscreen and voice control.
- Have situational limitations: Users might be in situations where certain input methods are not practical, such as using a touchscreen in bright sunlight or a mouse in a crowded space.
WCAG requirements
This guideline requires that all functionality that can be operated with one input modality (e.g., mouse) can be operated with another (e.g., keyboard) without requiring users to change settings. This means supporting:
- Mouse: Traditional mouse or trackpad input.
- Keyboard: Keyboard input and keyboard shortcuts.
- Touchscreen: Touch gestures and interactions.
- Other input modalities: Support for alternative input devices, such as switch devices, eye-tracking systems, or voice control.
Benefits
- Flexibility and personalization: Users can choose the input method that best suits their needs and preferences.
- Increased accessibility: It makes the content accessible to a wider range of users with diverse abilities and needs.
- Improved user experience: Supporting multiple input modalities can enhance the overall user experience by providing flexibility and choice.
Essentially, this guideline promotes a more inclusive and adaptable design by ensuring that users can interact with the website or application using their preferred input method. This allows everyone to access and engage with the content effectively, regardless of their physical abilities or situational constraints.
Who this issue impacts
Follow the links for additional information on user impairments:
Suggestions for remediation
Remediating WCAG 2.5.6 “Concurrent Input Mechanisms” involves ensuring that your website or application supports multiple input modalities for all functionality, allowing users to interact with it using their preferred method. Here’s how:
Support multiple input modalities
- Mouse and keyboard: Ensure all functionality can be operated with both a mouse and a keyboard. This includes navigation, interacting with controls, and accessing all content.
- Touchscreen: If your website or application is designed for touchscreen devices, ensure that all functionality can also be accessed using a mouse or keyboard.
- Alternative input devices: Consider supporting alternative input devices, such as switch devices, eye-tracking systems, or voice control, especially if your target audience includes users with motor impairments.
Provide clear instructions
- Inform users about options: Clearly inform users about the different input methods available and how to use them.
- Document keyboard shortcuts: Provide documentation or on-screen prompts that list the available keyboard shortcuts.
Avoid input-specific features
- Don’t rely on a single modality: Avoid designing features that can only be used with a specific input method. Ensure all functionality is accessible through multiple modalities.
- Provide alternatives: If a feature requires a specific input method (e.g., drawing with a mouse), provide an alternative way to achieve the same outcome using a different input method (e.g., keyboard commands or voice control).
Testing
- Test with different input methods: Thoroughly test all functionality using different input modalities (mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, assistive devices) to ensure they work as expected.
- Assistive technology testing: Test with screen readers and other assistive technologies to ensure that all functionality is accessible and usable with different input methods.
Examples
- Navigation: Ensure that users can navigate through menus, links, and other interactive elements using both a mouse and a keyboard.
- Form interactions: Make sure users can fill out forms, select options, and submit forms using different input methods.
- Drag-and-drop: Provide keyboard alternatives for drag-and-drop actions, such as using arrow keys to move items or keyboard shortcuts to select and reposition elements.
By implementing these techniques, you can create a more inclusive and accessible website or application that supports a variety of input modalities, allowing users to interact with your content in a way that best suits their needs and preferences.
