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WCAG 2.1 - SC 3.2.4 Consistent Identification

Make sure that components that have the same functionality across the site are identified consistently. A strategy that people who use screen readers use when operating a Web site is to rely heavily on their familiarity with functions that may appear on different Web pages. If identical functions have different labels on different Web pages, the site will be considerably more difficult to use. It may also be confusing and increase the cognitive load for people with cognitive limitations. Therefore, consistent labeling will help.

Official Requirements:

3.2.4 Consistent Identification: Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently.

How to fix:

  • Make sure links to the same resource use the same link text.
  • Shared icons that serve different purposes should have different alternative text.
  • Icons with similar functionality should follow a consistent labeling pattern. For example, "Print x" where x would be the thing to be printed.
  • Don't use a search submit button that says "Search" on some pages, and "Find" on others.

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