What is WCAG 2.2?
The latest version of the internationally-recognized accessibility standard, WCAG, is here. WCAG (the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a legal requirement in many countries.
WCAG 2.2 builds on the previous version. It was released on 5th October 2023.
There are nine additional success criteria (things that a website is expected to do to pass the new standard).
Silktide’s accessibility checker tests for all of WCAG 2.2 with automated and assisted checks. Automated checks are carried out entirely by a computer, while assisted checks guide you to areas of your website that you should check manually. Full explanations are provided inside Silktide.
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Minimum target size
Interactive elements (buttons, menu items, forms, etc.) should be big enough or have sufficient space between them.
Not everyone has fine motor control. This check helps to make sure people don’t select the wrong thing when navigating a website.
This is an automated test.
Focus Appearance
Users should be able to see where the keyboard focus is as they navigate around a web page. The WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion adds some specifics as to how contrasting the focus element should be.
People navigating with a keyboard need to know which element has the current focus so they don’t lose their place on the web page.
This is an automated test.
Accessible Authentication
Users should be able to log in without a cognitive function test. This includes not being forced to memorize passwords, or to use challenges like CAPTCHAs.
The easiest way to achieve this is usually to support password managers.
Level AA allows CAPTCHAs with object recognition (e.g “find the traffic lights”), while Level AAA does not.
This is an assisted test.
Focus Not Obscured
People navigating with a keyboard need to know which element has the current focus so they don’t lose their place on the web page.
Do not obscure an interactive element (link, button, etc.) when it has focus, either partially (AAA) or wholly (AA).
This is an automated test.
Consistent Help
People should be able to find the help center, live chat, or support content links in the same place on every page.
Moving the position of common links around from page to page creates an unnecessary cognitive burden. Be consistent in their placement.
This is an assisted test.
Dragging movements
Do not rely on dragging movements alone. Not all users can click, move an item to a new location, and let go.
People should be able to interact with your website elements (like toggles, selectors, and maps) without being forced to use dragging movement. An alternative should be offered.
This is an assisted test.
Redundant Entry
If you’ve already collected information in a form from a user, do not ask for that information again later in the form.
If information repeats (for example, shipping and billing details) give the ability to auto-populate that information.
This is an assisted test.
