How do I make my login process accessible?
Question
This is the first time I’m building a mobile app from the ground up that centers around accessibility. I wanted to know what you recommend in terms of accessible login and sign up options.
Answer
Whether you are building your login and sign up processes from scratch or vetting third party offerings, there are several requirements and best practices to check. The requirements described here are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA, which is a well-accepted industry standard.
First, login and sign up forms have the same requirements as any accessible form:
- Users must be able to complete the form using keyboard alone, without a pointer device. This requirement still applies for mobile apps; mobile devices can be paired with external keyboards for users who can't or don't want to use a touch interface.
- Form fields need clear, visible labels.
- Form fields need accessible names that match their visible labels.
- Instructions must be programmatically related to the field they describe.
- Error messages must include enough information to be helpful and be coded to be automatically announced.
- CAPTCHAs or other tools intended for blocking bots must still be usable by people with disabilities or have an accessible alternative.
Authentication and multi-step processes have a few additional requirements.
- Don't require a cognitive test to log in. This requirement can feel complicated, but our most recommended strategy is also the simplest: let users paste in their password or use password managers. Basically, don't go out of your way to block these cognitive support tools!
- Don't require users to manually enter the same information twice, unless there's a valid security reason to require it.
To go one step further, the following recommendations aren't required as part of WCAG, but they will create a more accessible experience:
- Use plain language for field names, instructions, error messages, and disclaimers. Clear, simple language is better for everyone, and critical for some.
- If you have two-factor authentication, offer multiple options so users can choose the method that works best for them.
To learn more about accessible forms, explore the Forms: Labels, Cues, and Errors course from Accessible Web Academy
