Writing Warnings Before Changes of Context
Writing Warnings Before Changes of Context records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
Before a form-control change automatically changes context, tell users clearly what will happen.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
A normal button or link that users deliberately activate is not the same case; this guidance targets changes of context caused by changing a control setting.
Further guidance
Content
Write the warning before the control and state the concrete result, such as moving to the next question or switching the page language after a selection.
Practical Application
Place the warning before the control and state the specific consequence when changing a setting automatically navigates, submits, switches language, advances a step, or otherwise changes context without a separate activation.
Purpose
Advance warning makes unusual control behavior predictable and reduces disorientation when the setting itself triggers navigation or a major contextual change.
Reader Check
Would a user know before changing the control that the change itself will trigger a new page, step, window, or other major context shift?
Worked Example
Before a language selector that immediately reloads the site, write “Selecting a language reloads this page in that language” rather than revealing the behavior only after the selection.
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.
- G13: Describing what will happen before a change of context (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · WCAG technique guidance for warning users in advance when changing a form control will change context.