For many people, these directions don’t help at all—whether due to color blindness, screen reader use, or low vision.
Sensory Characteristics ensures that instructions are clear and accessible by using more than just visual or sensory cues, so everyone can follow along.
Who this impacts
- People who are blind or have low vision: They can’t rely on visual details alone to understand instructions.
- People with color blindness: If instructions reference colors, they need alternative ways to identify elements.
- People with cognitive impairments: Clear, non-sensory instructions help reduce confusion.
- People who navigate by keyboard: Describing elements beyond their sensory traits helps users who don’t interact visually.
- Everyone: Multiple ways to convey information benefit all users, providing clarity and inclusivity.
How to meet Sensory Characteristics
- Avoid using sensory characteristics alone: Don’t rely on color, shape, size, or other sensory details as the only way to convey information.
- Provide alternative instructions: Use text labels, positioning, or patterns alongside sensory characteristics to clarify instructions.
- Test for clarity: Make sure users can follow instructions without relying on sensory cues.
Top tips
- Use descriptive text for interactive elements: Adding labels ensures all users understand what to do, regardless of visual perception.
- Avoid vague references: Replace instructions like “Click the big button” with “Click the button labeled ‘Start’ in the upper-left corner.”
- Check for accessible alternatives: Make sure there’s always an alternative way to understand the instructions beyond sensory details.
- Test with different users: Get feedback from people with various abilities to ensure instructions are clear.