Writing Consistent Labels for Repeated Functions
Writing Consistent Labels for Repeated Functions records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
Label repeated functions consistently across pages, while varying only the wording needed to identify a different target or context.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Consistency does not always mean identical wording when the target changes; preserve the same naming pattern while distinguishing genuinely different functions.
Further guidance
Content
Use a stable labeling pattern for the same repeated function, changing only the part needed to identify the specific target or context.
Practical Application
Choose a stable naming pattern for the same action across pages, then change only the words needed to identify a different target or object.
Purpose
Consistent labels make familiar functions easier to recognize and reduce cognitive and screen-reader navigation burden.
Reader Check
If users encounter this function elsewhere, will the label pattern make it immediately recognizable without hiding a real difference in what the control does?
Worked Example
Use “Download invoice” and “Download receipt” for the same download function with different targets, rather than switching unpredictably among “Get,” “Save,” and “Download.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Understanding SC 3.2.4: Consistent Identification (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · WCAG 2.2 guidance for consistent labels, accessible names, and text alternatives for repeated functionality.