Accessible name
An accessible name labels a control for assistive technology. It should explain the action and agree with the visible text.
An accessible name is the programmatically determinable label of an element, such as a button or input field. Screen readers can present it together with the element’s role. An additional description can provide guidance; it does not replace the name.
Name what an icon does
In a fictional project portal, a paperclip icon opens a request’s attachment. The name “Open attachment” describes this action better than “Paperclip”. The name should explain the function, rather than simply describe the picture. A field also needs an appropriate label; its entered value is separate information.
Align visible text and the technical name
W3C recommends suitable visible text and native HTML labelling. An extra aria-label is not necessary on every element and can override an existing name. Coordinate changes and translations with the technical naming. Check the actual computed name in the intended workflow; an attribute’s presence alone does not demonstrate understandable operation.
Sources
Related terms
- Focus orderFocus order determines the route through focusable elements. It should preserve meaning and operability, including during dynamic changes.
- Keyboard trapA keyboard trap leaves keyboard users stuck within a region. Deliberately containing focus in a dialog needs a keyboard-operable exit.
- Skip linkA skip link bypasses repeated navigation and leads to the main content. The destination must also work for subsequent keyboard navigation.
- Search suggestionA search suggestion offers a possible query while someone types. Selection, submission and the later results list need to work together clearly.
- Interactive prototypeAn interactive prototype responds to selected actions. It can reveal a path through an interface without implementing the real processing behind it.
- PrototypeA prototype makes a design testable against a specific question. Its form and scope follow the uncertainty that needs to be resolved.
Articles on this topic
Design & UX with ASES
User experience, interfaces and brand presence