If the page content enforces some sort of time limit on the user, the user should be able to either extend the time limit, or turn it off. For example, if the page presents a slide show with each each slide presented for a fixed period of time, the user should be able to either pause the show, or extend the active time over a wide range up to at least ten times the default setting. Exceptions would be if the time limit is part of a real-world event, or if the time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity, or the time limit is longer than 20 hours.
Official Requirements:
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable: For each time limit that is set by the content, at least one of the following is true:
- Turn off: The user is allowed to turn off the time limit before encountering it; or
- Adjust: The user is allowed to adjust the time limit before encountering it over a wide range that is at least ten times the length of the default setting; or
- Extend: The user is warned before time expires and given at least 20 seconds to extend the time limit with a simple action (for example, "press the space bar"), and the user is allowed to extend the time limit at least ten times; or
- Real-time Exception: The time limit is a required part of a real-time event (for example, an auction), and no alternative to the time limit is possible; or
- Essential Exception: The time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity; or
- 20 Hour Exception: The time limit is longer than 20 hours.
Note: This success criterion helps ensure that users can complete tasks without unexpected changes in content or context that are a result of a time limit. This success criterion should be considered in conjunction with Success Criterion 3.2.1, which puts limits on changes of content or context as a result of user action.
How to fix:
- Provide a way for the user to pause or extend the content presentation
- Provide a way to turn off the time limit
- Provide notification that the time limit is about to expire, and allow the user to extend it.
