RE: Does placeholder text pass 3.3.2, does disappearing text pass?

Ø  Some say that since the label disappears on input that the author is
"hiding" the label, and it is a failure of SC 3.3.2.

I would consider this a failure.  I am in favor of the forms where once a
field contains non-placeholder text a label appears above the field– this
would then meet the SC.  On a related note, many browser placeholder
implementations tend to also fail contrast requirements.



In the H65 example there is also a button that labels example #3’s search
field – so we are not promoting a technique that only uses the title.  The
test steps however, don’t also require a visual label – this is likely
because this technique is mapped to 1.3.1 and 1.1.1.  So in my opinion we
should remove the linkage to SC 3.3.2 from this technique as title
attributes are not keyboard accessible.



In addition, controls and input are listed as exceptions to 1.1.1 – so I’m
not sure why SC 1.1.1 is mapped to H65 either.



Jonathan



*From:* David MacDonald [mailto:david100@sympatico.ca]
*Sent:* Tuesday, June 17, 2014 7:54 PM
*To:* WCAG
*Subject:* Does placeholder text pass 3.3.2, does disappearing text pass?



Recently on Twitter there has been lot's of discussion regarding
placeholder text as a label. Some say that since the label disappears on
input that the author is "hiding" the label, and it is a failure of SC
3.3.2.



H65 seems to indicate that there may be situations where it is ok not to
have a visible label.



"The objective of this technique is to use the title attribute to label
form controls when the visual design cannot accommodate the label (for
example, if there is no text on the screen that can be identified as a
label) or where it might be confusing to display a label. User agents,
including assistive technology, can speak the title attribute."



Mobile designers are sometimes quite adamant about the saved screen real
estate, but it is clearly worse for cognitive folks, and some low vision,
and is strongly criticized in usability circles. Let's assume the
placeholder text reports to the API. Do we need a failure, or should it
pass? Do we need to revise H65?


Cheers,

David MacDonald



*Can**Adapt* *Solutions Inc.*

Tel:  613.235.4902

LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmacdonald100>

www.Can-Adapt.com <http://www.can-adapt.com/>



*  Adapting the web to all users*

*            Including those with disabilities*



If you are not the intended recipient, please review our privacy policy
<http://www.davidmacd.com/disclaimer.html>