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When a timed response is required, alert the user and give sufficient time to indicate more time is required.



Rationale

Some users have difficulty reading or responding to information if it is displayed briefly or requires quick response time. Some Web pages are designed to time-out for security reasons. Some response delays may also be caused by the use of assistive technology used to read the page. The user should be notified that the process is about to time out and be given the opportunity to indicate if additional time is required.


Techniques for timed responses

The following technique is the minimum required to meet Checkpoint 14 from the IBM Web Accessibility Checklist:

If the time-out occurs on the server, the server should send a message to the user indicating the process will time out. Otherwise, use JavaScript to generate a pop-up or dialog to inform the user of the time-out and allow them to request additional time.


Testing

Test the software to ensure that it complies with accessibility requirements.

Tools

There are no tools required to test this checkpoint.

Techniques

The following technique is required to verify this checkpoint:

Testing
  Action Result
1 Test timed instructions in the application:
  • Start the application and go to the page with timed instructions.
  • Delay responding to the instructions until a warning is displayed that the instructions will timeout.
Pass:
The user is notified before instructions time out and given the opportunity to indicate more time is needed to complete the process.

Fail:
  • The user is not notified before instructions time out, so the information displayed on the screen is lost.
  • The user is notified before the instructions time out, but not given an option to request more time to complete the operation.

®2001, 2008 IBM Corporation

Last updated January 17, 2008.