Multiple Ways - Success Criterion 2.4.5 (Level AA)

Question

Is there more than one way for a user to locate content within your site or application?

Why is this important?

Users have different preferences in how to navigate content and may rely on a specific technique that is easier to comprehend. Providing multiple ways to navigate content within a site or application ensures all users can find information in a way that best suits their needs.

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a person with a cognitive disability,
I want to use the sitemap to get an overview of the website
so that I can navigate to the information I need.

Example 2

As a person who is blind,
I want to use the search functionality
so that I can quickly access the content without tabbing through a large navigation menu.

Example 3

As a student who tends to be more visual,
I want a clear navigation menu
so that I can understand the content and structure of the site.

What should you do?

Provide more than one way to locate content within a site or application.

How do you do it?

Below are some suggested techniques:

• Provide a clear and consistent main navigation menu
• Include a search function on every page
• Add a sitemap page which links to every page
• Create a homepage that includes links to all the pages
• Include a table of contents page
• Provide repetition of important links by including those links in the footer
• Create a breadcrumb navigation for processes and sub-layered pages.

Need technical guidance?

Technical guidance is available for implementing this Success Criterion at the Understanding Success Criterion 2.4.5: Multiple Ways page.

Additional resources to help you

• Multiple Ways - WUHCAG