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Re: Error message summaries, alerts and focus

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From: Nick Bromley
Date: Aug 7, 2023 10:44AM

In the example I'm working with, there's no client-side validation. With server-side validation, would you not also just pick one or other approach? I have thought about not moving focus, but there are a few UI controls that appear before the start of the form so these would need to be manually bypassed each time an error is triggered (it's a relatively simple sign-in form with three input fields).



We have a related issue in that, on MacOS, once we move focus to the error message div, it's bouncing straight off to the first input field in the form, where VoiceOver automatically starts reading its details and autofill options, cutting off the alert almost immediately. I'm not sure if this is some JS timing issue, a Safari quirk, or something else.





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The GOV.UK Design System philosophy is that JavaScript will not be used unless it is unavoidable (such as in an accordion) or at least improves the user experience.

https://design-system.service.gov.uk/patterns/validation/#client-side-and-server-side-validation says “Only add client side validation if you find a user need for it.”

However, within the gov.uk website you will find all sorts of different coding techniques because the website has been built by many different development teams over many years. You therefore can't use the website as an oracle.

The design pattern at https://design-system.service.gov.uk/components/error-message/ does not use client-side validation and assumes the page will reload after an error.

From a user experience perspective I agree with Patrick's advice to either use a live region or move the focus, but not both, when doing client-side validation. However, are we sure this conforms with WCAG SC 4.1.3? The error message cannot be "programmatically determined through role or properties" in the absence of a live region. Or does SC 4.1.3 not apply since the focus is being moved to the error message?

Steve Green

Managing Director

Test Partners Ltd