Accessibility: Focus Jump Error On Form Submission

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Accessibility: Focus Jump Error on Form Submission

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into an accessibility snag we've discovered within Civiform. It's all about how our forms behave when users, especially those relying on screen readers, encounter errors during submission. Let's break down the issue, understand why it's a problem, and explore how we can fix it to ensure a smoother experience for all users.

Describe the Bug

So, here's the deal: when someone fills out a Civiform form and misses a required location selection, an error message pops up – which is good! However, instead of the screen reader announcing this error and guiding the user to the problem area, the focus jumps straight to the top of the page. This leaves screen reader users in the dark, struggling to figure out what went wrong. Imagine navigating a website and suddenly being thrown back to the beginning without any explanation. Frustrating, right? This is precisely the kind of barrier we're trying to eliminate.

The core of the problem lies in how focus management is handled after a form submission fails due to validation errors. Ideally, when an error occurs, the focus should immediately shift to the error message or the first field containing the error. This allows screen reader users to be promptly informed of the issue and take corrective action. By failing to do so, we create a significant usability hurdle that contradicts the principles of inclusive design. We need to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can easily navigate and complete our forms. This involves not just displaying error messages, but also making sure those messages are actively communicated to users who rely on assistive technologies.

Consider the scenario from the perspective of a screen reader user. They meticulously fill out each field of the form, relying on auditory cues to understand the context and requirements. When they hit the submit button, they expect immediate feedback if something is amiss. If the focus abruptly jumps to the top of the page without any announcement, they are left guessing. They might have to manually explore the page to locate the error message, which can be a time-consuming and confusing process. This not only diminishes their efficiency but also erodes their confidence in the system. Our goal is to create a seamless and intuitive experience where errors are clearly communicated and easily resolvable.

WCAG Success Criterion

This issue directly violates WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) success criteria, specifically:

  • 3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A): This criterion states that if an input error is automatically detected, the item in error is identified and the error is described to the user in text.
  • 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA): If an input error is automatically detected and suggestions for correction are known, then the suggestions are provided to the user, unless it would jeopardize the security or purpose of the content.

These guidelines are in place to ensure that web content is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. By failing to properly handle error messages and focus management, we're falling short of these standards. Achieving WCAG compliance is not just a matter of ticking boxes; it's about creating a truly inclusive digital environment where everyone can participate fully.

To put it simply, WCAG 3.3.1 requires us to tell users what the error is, while WCAG 3.3.3 encourages us to help them fix it. In our case, this means not only displaying the error message but also making sure screen reader users are aware of it and, ideally, guiding them towards the correct input.

To Reproduce

Want to see this bug in action? Here’s how you can reproduce it:

  1. Enable a screen reader: Fire up your favorite screen reader (VoiceOver, NVDA, JAWS, TalkBack – they all work).
  2. Navigate to a location selection question: Find a question in a Civiform form that requires you to select a location.
  3. Don't select anything: Leave all the location options unselected.
  4. Hit submit: Click that submit/continue button with confidence (or maybe a bit of mischievousness, knowing what's about to happen).
  5. Observe the chaos: Watch as the error message appears, but your screen reader remains stubbornly silent, and focus jumps to the top of the page, leaving you stranded.

By following these steps, you can experience firsthand the frustration this bug causes for screen reader users. This direct experience can be invaluable in understanding the importance of addressing this accessibility issue. It's one thing to read about a problem; it's another to feel it. So, go ahead, give it a try and see for yourself!

This exercise also highlights the importance of testing with assistive technologies during the development process. By regularly using screen readers and other tools, we can identify and address accessibility issues early on, before they impact real users. Accessibility testing should be an integral part of our workflow, not an afterthought.

Expected Behavior

Here’s what should happen when a form submission fails due to validation errors:

  • Immediate Announcement: The error message should be announced immediately to screen reader users. No delays, no hidden surprises.
  • Focus on the Problem: Focus should move directly to the first location checkbox (or the error message itself, which would also work). This allows the user to quickly address the issue without having to hunt around the page.

Essentially, we want to create a scenario where the screen reader user is immediately informed of the error and guided to the exact location where they need to make a correction. This not only improves their efficiency but also enhances their overall experience with Civiform.

Imagine the difference this would make. Instead of being disoriented and confused, the user would hear something like, "Error: Please select a location. Focus is now on the first location checkbox." This clear and concise feedback would allow them to quickly understand the problem and take the necessary action. This is the level of usability and accessibility we should strive for.

Furthermore, providing clear and immediate feedback is not just about making the system easier to use; it's about empowering users. By giving them the information they need to succeed, we're fostering a sense of control and confidence. This is particularly important for users with disabilities, who may often encounter barriers and frustrations when navigating digital environments. By removing those barriers, we're creating a more equitable and inclusive experience for everyone.

Proposed Solutions (Brainstorming Time!)

Alright, team, let's put on our thinking caps and brainstorm some potential solutions. Here are a few ideas to get us started:

  1. JavaScript to the Rescue: Use JavaScript to detect form validation errors and programmatically move focus to the error message or the first invalid field. This is probably the most common approach.
  2. ARIA Attributes: Leverage ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide screen readers with more information about the error and its location. For example, we could use aria-describedby to associate the error message with the relevant input field.
  3. Alert Dialogs: Display the error message in an ARIA alert dialog, which is specifically designed to grab the user's attention and announce the message to screen readers.
  4. Server-Side Rendering (SSR) Magic: If possible, handle form validation on the server-side and return the form with focus already set on the first invalid field. This can improve performance and accessibility.

The best solution will likely involve a combination of these techniques. The key is to ensure that the error message is not only visually displayed but also programmatically announced to screen readers and that focus is appropriately managed.

When evaluating these solutions, we need to consider factors such as browser compatibility, performance, and maintainability. We also need to ensure that our solution is consistent with Civiform's overall architecture and design principles. Collaboration and testing will be crucial to finding the best approach.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! We've uncovered a pesky accessibility bug in Civiform that's causing headaches for screen reader users. By understanding the issue, its impact, and the relevant WCAG guidelines, we can work together to find a solution that makes our forms more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Remember, accessibility is not just about compliance; it's about creating a better experience for all users. By addressing this focus jump error, we're taking a significant step towards making Civiform a truly inclusive platform. Let's continue to prioritize accessibility in our development efforts and strive to create a digital world where everyone can participate fully.