Consistent Navigation

SC Text

Current:
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user. (Level AA)

Proposed:

3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user. @@Common navigation, search, and control elements have a consistent position within a set of web pages in the primary modality of the content, unless a change is initiated by the user.@@

Exception: If an inconsistent layout is an essential part of the main function of the site.

Suggestion for Priority Level (AA)

AA

Related Glossary additions or changes

Define the primary modality of the content as modalities considered in the design of the content.

What Principle and Guideline the SC falls within.

Principle 3, Guideline 3.2

Description

The intent of this success criterion is to ensure consistent position of common navigation, search, and control elements that appear repeatedly within a set of Web pages. For example, controls and menu items consistently positioned across a site.

Benefits

Many users with cognitive and learning disabilities rely heavily on their familiarity with Web page components. If identical functions are found in different places, on different Web pages, the Web site will be considerably more difficult to use. It will be confusing, and increase the cognitive load for people with cognitive disabilities, increasing mistakes, and limiting some users from accessing the content. This supports those who have reading and some visual perceptual difficulties due to Receptive Aphasia, as well as those with general cognitive learning disabilities. It also helps those with visual acuity difficulties, where stroke and age-related disabilities co-occur. Also, users with memory impairments will need to learn a lot more to be able to use the Web site, making it impossible for some. Therefore, consistent styles will increase the number of people who can use the Web site, and will help many others.

See also

Computers helping people with special needed, 14 international conference ICCHP 2014 Eds. Miesenberger, Fels, Archambault, Et. Al. Springer (pages 401). Paper: Tablets in the rehabilitation of memory impairment, K Dobsz et. al.

Neilson-aging

The Aphasia Alliance's Top Tips for 'Aphasia Friendlier' Communication taken from http://www.buryspeakeasy.org.uk/documents/Aphasia%20Alliance%20Aphasia%20Friendier%20Communication.pdf

Phiriyapkanon. Is big button interface enough for elderly users, Malardardalen University Press Sweden 2011.

COGA Resources

• User needs table ( Table 5: Simple and clear interface )
• Background research document 
• Semantics for adaptive interfaces
• COGA Techniques (See https://rawgit.com/w3c/coga/master/techniques/index.html#be-predictable)

Testability

Step 1. Ensure (by inspection) all components, including navigation components and icons, are positioned consistently.

Techniques

• Using CSS to consistently position common navigation, search, and control elements.
• Using a template to consistently position common navigation, search, and control elements.

working groups notes (optional)