Understanding SC 2.4.5 Multiple ways to locate web pages

Avatar for Raghavendra Satish PeriAuthored By :Raghavendra Satish Peri Last Updated : WCAG

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)

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.

Who benefits?

  • Blind and visually impaired users would prefer a search functionality over navigating a large menu
  • Some users with cognitive disabilities would prefer Table of contents or Site Map to get an overview of the site
  • Some users would prefer sequential/leaniar navigation to understand the concepts and the structure of the site
  • Some users with limited cognitive abilities would prefer search rather than understanding a complex hierarchy of the site.

Examples of Multiple ways to navigate

  • A home page with links to all the pages
  • A search functionality
  • Site map
  • Table of contents
  • Primary and secondary navigation menus
  • A left/right navigation section in the main content that would move to relevant/recent/backward/forward pages
  • Repetition of mainly important links in the footer
  • A breadcrumb navigation for processes and sub-layered pages.

Points to Ponder

  • More than one way must be available to meet this success criteria
  • Though breadcrumb is quite old, it still works if the users want to go back in a process or a layered structure
  • Search function is most powerful to achieve faster navigation.
  • Menus may become larger and cumbersome; still they work wonders when you look up for a category.

Related WCAG Articles

Useful A11Y Resources on Multiple Ways to Locate Web Pages

References

Avatar for Raghavendra Satish Peri

Raghavendra Satish Peri is a digital Transformation specialist working with small & large enterprises in the areas of digital accessibility & digital marketing. He authors an Accessibility Blog at DigitalA11Y.com & is galvanizing the adoption of accessibility by inspiring the local tech community with meetups and mentorship. He propelled this thought by founding HelloA11y.com, a community of accessibility professionals, developers, and enthusiasts. When away from his computer, Raghava can be found at local cafes & restaurants sampling cuisines, attending local meetups, listening to audio books, or writing on his Personal Blog at raghava.in.

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5 Comments

  1. 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])

    Reply

  2. 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.

    Reply

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