Understanding WCAG SC 2.4.5 Multiple Ways to Locate Web Pages
2.4.5 Multiple ways to locate web pages
Multiple Ways: More than one way is available to locate a Web page within a set of Web pages except where the Web Page is the result of, or a step in, a process. (Level AA)
Multiple Ways Transcript
Hello everyone! Today we’re going to talk about how providing multiple ways to locate web pages ensures improved accessibility and user experience. We’re also going to talk about its requirements, importance, some failure examples, exceptions, and how we can fix them.Locating web pages within a large website can be a daunting task. To cater to the diverse preferences of users in finding desired content on a website, it is crucial to offer multiple navigation options to ensure they can easily locate the information they are seeking. Some users may prefer sequential navigation, moving through pages in a logical order. Others may rely on the search function to quickly locate what they need. Some users find it easier to navigate through menus and clickable links, while others appreciate having a site index or a table of contents to browse through. Offering various navigation methods can greatly enhance the user experience. By incorporating different navigation options, we can cater to a broader audience and make their journey on our site more intuitive.
But why does it matter? Well, users without vision find it easier to search within a website using search engines rather than scrolling through a long list of links or menus. Users with cognitive limitations prefer sequential navigation as it helps them understand the content in a logical order. They may also prefer a simple list of links that includes all the pages, menus, or sitemaps to avoid the need for typing and memorizing paths.
Now let’s look at some failure examples. A cookery blog only offers one method of navigating between pages, such as clicking on the “Next” or “Previous” buttons, but it lacks other options like a search function to find specific recipes. An e-commerce website lacks a sitemap or table of contents to provide an overview of the site structure and content.
Let’s look at one exception. In certain cases, such as search result pages or pages within a specific flow or process, it may not be necessary or practical to provide additional navigation options or include them in broader navigation structures like a table of contents, menu, or sitemap.
Now let’s see how we can fix these issues. Always provide more than one way of navigating to web pages. Always include a search option. Provide a menu in the header. Provide a sitemap in the footer. Include a table of contents for longer content. Simplify navigation for smaller websites. It is recommended to include all the links on the homepage along with a back link on subsequent pages. This allows users to conveniently navigate back to the homepage or previous sections whenever needed. Lastly, combine navigation methods to provide users with flexible and user-preferred navigation options.
In conclusion, providing multiple ways to locate web pages ensures improved accessibility and user experience. By offering diverse navigation options such as search functionality, menus, sitemaps, and alternative navigation methods, websites can better cater to the varied preferences and needs of their users.
This is the end of the video. Thank you for joining! If you like the video, do like and subscribe.
Intent of this Success Criterion
The intent of this Success Criterion is to make it possible for users to locate content in a manner that best meets their needs. Users may find one technique easier or more comprehensible to use than another.
Even small sites should provide users some means of orientation. For a three or four page site, with all pages linked from the home page, it may be sufficient simply to provide links from and to the home page where the links on the home page can also serve as a site map.
Hi Raghavendra,
Thank you so much for providing useful information on WCAG guidelines with the detailed explanation.
Would it be possible for you to share the same info for all the WCAG Sections via Email ([email protected])
Hello Roopesh,
It looks like you are subscribed to the blog, whenever there is a new post you will be alerted through email. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you Raghavendra.
Fewer than two ways must be available to meet this success criteria – this is wrong. Please correct to
More than one way must be available to meet this success criteria.
Thank you for alerting us with your comment. We have updated the post accordingly.