3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Navigational mechanisms that are repeated on multiple Web pages within a set of Web pages occur in the same relative order each time they are repeated, unless a change is initiated by the user. (Level AA)
Requirements
- Navigational items that are repeated on multiple pages of a website (e.g. Search field, social media links, related links panels) are positioned in a consistent order across the website/app.
Why is it important?
This makes it easier for people to learn how to navigate the website/app, and it enables people to develop strategies (like using screen reader shortcuts)for more efficient navigation.
Summary
- Make sure that navigation controls that appear on multiple pages (like links in a header) are consistent across pages.
- When ways to navigate content (like links for the Web or buttons for native apps) are repeated on multiple pages/screens, the order in which they appear on each page/screen should be consistent.
Common mistakes
- A main navigation block is used on multiple pages, but is located in a different place on each page;
- A breadcrumb navigation is used on multiple pages, but is presented in a different format on each page.
References
- W3C’s detailed explanation with techniques and examples.
- Accessibility Guidelines- Github.io