3.2.4 Consistent Identification
Conformance level: AA
Criterion released in WCAG version: 2.0
TL;DR: Identify the same components in the same way across the site (labels, icons, terminology). Consistency reduces cognitive load and prevents mistakes.
Official description of the success criterion
Components that have the same functionality within a set of Web pages are identified consistently.
What to do?
Ensure components that have the same functionality are identified consistently.
Why is it important?
Helps users recognise and interact with similar components.
Common pitfalls
WCAG Failure F31: Using two different labels for the same function on different Web pages within a set of Web pages. Examples:
- using both "search" and "find" for identical functions
- using "save page" and "save" for the same function