Understanding WCAG SC 2.5.4 Motion Actuation
2.5.4 Motion Actuation
Success Criterion 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A): Functionality that can be operated by device motion or user motion can also be operated by user interface components and responding to the motion can be disabled to prevent accidental actuation, except when:
- Supported Interface
The motion is used to operate functionality through an accessibility supported interface;- Essential
The motion is essential for the function and doing so would invalidate the activity.
Off late, we have been witnessing motion based gestures or device movement based gestures to operate certain apps or certain functions like these ones:
- Twist the wrist holding the phone to bring up the camera app
- Show a thumbs-up in front of the device camera to like a post
All these gestures are innovative and sometimes intuitive too. But what about users who mount their devices on a wheel chair? What about people who have tremor in their hands and accidentally perform some gestures that would activate some controls or functions?
