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Technique G221:Provide data from a previous step in a process

About this Technique

This technique relates to 3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Sufficient).

This technique applies to any technology that supports user input.

Techniques are examples of ways to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They are not required to meet WCAG. Content can satisfy the normative requirements of WCAG even if it does not use any of the documented techniques. See About WCAG Techniques.

Description

The objective of this technique is to provide information that was previously provided by the user or by the system, rather than requiring the user to remember and re-enter the information from a previous step. This improves success for individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities and memory impairments.

Examples

Example 1: Populate previously entered information with a trigger

An e-commerce site provides a checkbox that triggers the shipping address to be pre-populated based on the billing address the user had entered in a previous step.

Example 2: Automatically populate information based on previous answers

During a two-step process for setting up a business, the first step provides a business identification number after the user enters a name, and address. The second step requires creating a user profile. The business identification number, name and address are prepopulated.

Example 3: Display the information from a previous step

During a two-step process for setting up a business, the first step provides a business identification number after the user enters a name and address. The second step requires creating a user profile. The interface allows the user to select the business they just set up with all associated information.

Tests

Procedure

For each input in a process that requires information to be entered:

  1. Check if the information has already been requested on a previous step of the process;
  2. Check that the information entered previously is prepopulated in the fields or displayed on the page.

Expected Results

  • #1 and #2 are true.
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